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PIQs join HIPs in property sale paper trail

23 March 2009

Homeowners who want to sell their property after 6 April must have a Home Information Pack (HIP) in place before it goes on the market.

National law firm Shoosmiths is also reminding them that a new form – to be included in the HIP – comes into force on the same date: the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ).

David Parton, partner and head of Shoosmiths’ direct conveyancing department, said: “From 6 April the HIP must be available for buyer’s to view from the first day that a property is marketed.

“This will include the Energy Performance Certificate, having previously commissioned an energy assessment on the home, and arranged for the seller to complete the new PIQ to sit alongside evidence of the property title.

“The new PIQ is a questionnaire to be completed by the seller, and intended to give buyers information on matters including:

• how the property is heated
• parking arrangements
• details of storm or fire damage
• structural changes made, such as new windows, doors or patios
• for leasehold premises, information about details in the lease and money people have had to pay under it, such as maintenance or services charges.”

There is also an alternative questionnaire, which must be completed by developers selling new properties.

Parton added: “The latest provisions do appear to improve on the content of the HIP, but may also lead to an increase in the overall cost of marketing to sellers, despite the challenging market conditions.

“Whilst views on the merits of HIPs remain very mixed, it is clear the Government is determined to stick with them despite much cynical reaction to their implementation to date.

“In direct contrast, the Conservative Party has pledged to scrap HIPs should they come into power next year, as they see them as wasteful and without any real benefit to sellers or buyers.

“Shoosmiths’ conveyancing department has developed its own online HIPS service in order to look after our client’s best interests, make best use of the internet, and avoid producing the packs in paper format.”

HIPs sent by estate agents via email are free, though they may request a small fee for hard copies sent by post.

Shoosmiths’ online HIP service and a free guide to HIPs can be viewed at: http://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/images/media/HIPS_guidancenote_w.pdf

For further information please contact:
Name: Alastair Gray
Phone: 08700 864096
Email: Alastair.Gray@shoosmiths.co.uk

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