Q1. What will happen if I go ahead and market my property without obtaining a HIP?

You could receive a penalty of £200 for marketing your property without a HIP (unless your property is exempt from the Government Regulations). Responsibility for enforcement is by the local authority Trading Standards Officers under a civil sanction regime.

Q2. Will I be tied to a particular Estate Agent?

This depends upon the agreement you sign with the Agent. If you would like our advice on the agreement before you sign it, please do not hesitate to ask.

Q3. Will I own the pack?

This depends on any agreement you have entered into with your estate agent. If you would like any further clarification on any agreement entered into, a member of the NWSA will be happy to advise you.

Q4. Who has decided to introduce HIPs?

The Government introduced HIPS in the Home Information Pack Regulations 2007.

Q5. What if I am selling a house on behalf of somebody else, do I still need a HIP?

If you are marketing the property a Pack is required.

Some agents will build the additional cost into the actual sale of the property, and others may offer a Buy now, pay later scheme?. You need to be very careful and take advice on the credit agreement you may be asked to sign.

We can organise your HIP at very competitive price, and deal with associated conveyancing work on your behalf.

Q7. Can I use my normal solicitor to prepare my HIP?

Not all solicitors will be in a position to prepare a HIP and will rely on the HIP providers. All solicitors in the North West Solicitors Association have the ability to obtain a HIP.

Q8. Can I use a solicitor who is local to me to prepare my HIP

Many solicitors, local or otherwise will be able to prepare your HIP, however we recommend that it is a local solicitor who prepares the pack due to their legal experience with local knowledge.

Q9. Do I need a HIP for the house I intend to buy?

If the property you are buying requires a HIP (depending on the number of bedrooms and when the marketing commenced) then your Estate Agent should be able to provide a copy to you on request.

Q10. Do I need a HIP if I am re-mortgaging or doing a transfer of equity?

No

Q11. Can I sell my house without a HIP?

Only if you commenced marketing the property before that particular type required a HIP, or if your property falls within the exceptions.

Q12. When do I not need a HIP?

If the property is tenanted, being sold to a family member, is a right to buy property, or is being sold as part of a portfolio of properties.

Q13. What about if I sell my house privately, will I still need a HIP?

Yes, you will still require a HIP even if you sell privately. The only exceptions being as per the answer to question 12.

Q14. What will happen if I go ahead and market my property without obtaining a HIP?

You could receive a penalty of £200 for marketing your property without a HIP (unless your property is exempt from the government regulations). Responsibility for enforcement is by the local authority trading standards office under a civil sanction regime.

Q15. How long will it take to produce a HIP?

When ordered through The NWSA a HIP for an unregistered freehold house should take about 5 working days.

Q16. I have no money but need to sell my house, so how do I obtain a HIP?

The NWSA HIP is available on a deferred payment scheme, meaning payment is not required for six months, or earlier if the property is sold, withdrawn from the market, or you change agents.

Q17. If I have put my house on the market before the commencement date for HIPs, when will I need a HIP, if ever?

There is currently no date for properties being marketed before the commencement date for that type of property.

Q18. How long will a HIP last?

The HIP is valid for as long as the property is being continuously marketed. Providing the initial marketing took place within three months of the pack being provided. Various parts of the pack are time sensitive. Please ask for further details concerning the individual components of the pack.

Q19. If I take my house off the market will I be able to use the same pack when I decide to put it back on the market?

If the property is placed back on the market within 28 days then you are able to use the same HIP.

Q20. Can I put my house on the market and get a HIP next week?

No. The regulations state that in order to commence marketing, the pack must have been ordered.

Q21. How will I get hold of a copy of my HIP?

If the NWSA are instructed to prepare your HIP, the solicitor acting for you will forward the completed HIP as soon as it is available.

Q22. Will my Estate Agent automatically get a copy?

Providing the NWSA solicitor is aware of your Estate Agents details, an electronic version of the HIP will be made available to them as soon as the pack has been compiled.