Sellers warned of 'sub-standard' HIPs

The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has warned that some providers of home information packs (HIPs) are failing to include the proper documentation.

In particular, the CLG is worried that, in some cases, providers are enclosing their own photocopies of key documents relating to who actually owns the property, rather than official copies from the Land Registry, as stated in the regulations.

The Law Society has warned homeowners arranging a pack to be vigilant. "HIP providers do not understand, or choose not to understand, the rules," says Paul Marsh, the society's vice-president. "The result is that sellers and buyers are being short-changed with sub-standard HIPs that will quite rightly be thrown in the bin by the buyer's solicitor."