HIPS

What is a Home Information Pack?
The Home Information Pack (sometimes referred to as 'Sellers Pack') was designed with two purposes in mind:

To improve the home buying and selling experience for consumers - Approximately 30% of property sales in the UK fall through prior to completion. By providing as much information as possible about a property as early as possible in the sale process, it is hoped that transactions will become easier, faster and far less likely to collapse.

To reduce the emission of carbon dioxide that running a home causes - A reduction of CO2 emissions will help protect the environment from global warming and also reduce the cost of providing the energy required to run a home.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

What Is An Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) provide information regarding a building's current and potential energy rating, from both a financial and an environmental stand point. The current rating is based on the results of an energy survey, carried out by a licensed Energy Assessor, who collects data regarding how the property was constructed and the methods used to provide heat and light to the house. This data is then used to calculate the likely cost of providing the energy required for these functions and the environmental impact they will have.

The potential energy rating is then calculated by considering how the property could be made more efficient in its energy use and calculating the financial and environmental benefits that would result from making these improvements. These ratings are provided on a scale of A to G, similar to that found on all new fridges, washing machines and other white goods:

The EPC then goes on to provide a breakdown of the property's likely annual energy use, carbon dioxide emissions (in tonnes) and fuel bills, both before and after it's recommendations have been carried out. This element of the certificate demonstrates in real terms, the savings that can be made to a household's fuel bills. In many cases these savings can amount to hundreds of pounds (£) each year, which can represent several tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere.

The UK Government's response was to introduce Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in order to assess the energy performance of buildings and promote improvement to that performance, thereby reducing the negative impact our homes have on the environment. It was decided that EPCs should be issued to houses whenever they are sold and are therefore a critical part of the Home Information Pack (HIP) that has been introduced in order to ease the house buying process.

By the end of 2008 similar energy ratings will be introduced for public and commercial buildings and for homes that are marketed for rental.

For more information or to arrange an HIP/ Energy Assessment please contact us or alternatively order our HIP / EPC Pack.

Conveyancing Searches

We offer a wide range of land and property searches at extremely competitive rates indeed.

We work tirelessly to understand our market and the needs of our customers. We pride ourselves on providing a fast, reliable service with a high level of professionalism. We usually work on a turnaround time of 3-5 working days.

Our personal searches are quicker and cost less than postal searches.

This is just some of what we can offer you:

Hips Point provide you with an order form in order to facilitate the commencement of the relevant searches.

Once we receive your online request or completed form and payment (see the “Prices” section for our rates) we will begin the process aiming to turn around your initial request within 3-5 working days.
 
Upon completion the reports will be sent to you either by post, fax or e-mail, whichever you prefer.

Hips Point are able to provide the following types of searches for your convenience:

Personal Local Authority Search

This type of search is a key component of the home buying process, and is assuming greater significance. It outlines any local land charges, financial charges that may exist on the property, planning charges, miscellaneous charges, highway applications, building regulations plus any other relevant schemes and notices.

These searches can be quite costly if administered via the local authorities, with fees ranging from £80-£270.

Hips Point can provide searches from a competitively priced £70.00

Coal Mining and Brine Search

A critical report for those individuals looking to buy property in the UK where coal mining has occurred. The report outlines previous mining activity, mining activity and conditions to date, as well as any future mining operations.  

Items included in the Coal Mining report cover areas such as past and present underground mining, surface geology, subsistence and any future/proposed opencast mining.

Water & Drainage Search (CON29DW)

This search comes from the relevant water companies and is available for residential and commercial properties. This confirms whether the property is connected to the public water supply and sewerage systems, whether the property is close to or is affected by water mains or public sewers and how the property is charged for water and waste services. 

Local Environmental search

A fully interpreted environmental report to help guard client’s against property blight and the potentially damaging affect to the residents’ health that contaminated land may bring. This report comes complete with an expert assessment certifying the property as passed or failed.

Hips Point works in collaboration with a leading environmental risk screening report provider Groundsure. Key features of the Groundsure reports are:

Colour maps indicating proximity of hazards
Reports including latest Environment Agency Flood Map Data
Detailed aerial photograph
Reviewed by Groundsure’s in-house IEMA accredited Environmental Consultants.

For more information or to arrange an HIP/ Energy Assessment please contact us or alternatively order our HIP / EPC Pack.