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What are Home Information Packs (HIPs)? HIPs contain mandatory and other information that is put together by a seller for the benefit of prospective purcahsers of their property. Sellers can prepare the HIP themselves, however it is more likely that their solicitor or estate agent will take responsibility for preparing and making it available to any prospective purchaser. In addition to the mandatory information, the seller may have other documents and information which could usefully be included. The more relevant information in the HIP the easier the decision making by the prospective purchaser. The Home Information Pack needs to be kept updated so that all the information it holds is accurate and ready for a prospective purchaser to view. Where any changes or additions are made, the seller could usefully record these in the HIP and date the entries. Given that much if not all the information required for HIPs can be delivered, stored and accessed electronically it is likely that this will be the favoured medium for access via websites and other systems with the ability to print and retain hard copy packs. The following sections provide an overview of the types of information that will be contained in a HIP. Home Condition Reports The Home Condition Report is a form of survey. It is not a valuation. The report comments on the condition of the structure of the property both inside and out, as well as the services that are connected to it. A qualified Home Inspector must prepare this report. Warranties Where the benefit of a warranty transfers to a purchaser details should be included. This may include any National House Building Council or Municipal, or equivalent warranty, contract or insurance policy etc. Warranties relating to any building work or service agreements can also be included. Guarantees Guarantees of work done to the property should be included as well as any certificate provided by a professional consultant in relation to work carried out on the customisation or alteration of the property. Central heating system agreements are also relevant. Leasehold Information In addition to the information required for a freehold property additional documents are required for leasehold properties. These include copies of the lease, details of the most recent service charges and receipts, buildings insurance policy and payment receipts, name and address of the landlord, regulations made by the landlord or management company confirming its actual existence as a limited company should also be carried out. Commonhold In addition to that required for a freehold property copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the community statement, evidence of title, service charges, buildings insurance and name and address of the manageing agent as well as a company search on the Commonhold Association to confirm its actual existence as a limited company also needed. New Homes Where the new home is not yet complete there is no requirement for the Home Condition Report. However, where registration of the property on completion of the property rests with the providers of any warranties or insurance then details of the warranty or insurance must be included. Where there is no such scheme and a consultant is monitoring the building works then information about the consultant is also required. There is no requirement for the Home Condition Report where the property is registered with a housing warranty scheme designed by the Secretary of State. This only applies in respect of the first sale.