From today, homeowners selling a property must have a home information pack in place before the house can go on the market.
Britons looking to sell their homes are now subject to a new rule on home information packs (Hips).
In the past, homeowners had to have a Hip ordered before they could place their house on the market, but as of today they must actually have one in place. Additionally, a property information questionnaire (PIQ) must be completed, which details information from the property's council tax band to its utilities and parking facilities.
Hips have come in for criticism from a number of quarters, but the Association of Home Information Pack Providers - a body made up of firms which produce Hips - welcomed the change.
"Finally we will see Hips getting into buyers' hands," said director general Mike Ockenden. "There is already evidence that Hips have helped to speed up the conveyancing process."
According to Mr Ockenden, the new rules will mean that buyers will begin to ask for Hips more, reversing a reported trend that just 40 percent of buyers saw the Hip for the property they bought.
"Following the launch of the PIQ, the level of upfront information available in the HIP will increase and we expect to see more buyers asking to see a home's HIP," he explained. "The reality is that most of those selling a home will be buying a home too and if they have completed a PIQ for their own property, they are more likely to ask to see the PIQ for any properties they plan to purchase."
