One anxiety about Estate Agent 'deals' for Home Information Packs is that they will “suggest” that you have to use them for mortgage / protection advice.  This is not true, and you will remain free to choose your own mortgage.  We will not do this and would suggest that people steer clear of anyone offering a HIP price that is conditional on using their mortgage services.

We plan to offer Home Information Pack s through a  number of different suppliers. This could mean that we will be able to offer a HIP from dedicated specialists at a more competitive rate than you may imagine. We also expect this service to be available online making it straightforward and convenient.

The Home Information Pack Regulations 2006 set out provisions on the “required” and “authorised” content of the Pack. Required documents must be included in the pack where appropriate and authorised documents may be included at the seller’s discretion.

The required documents are:
 

	An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
	A sale statement (summarising terms of sale)
	Evidence of title
	Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
	An Energy Performance Certificate
	Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)
	Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance)
	Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty
	Where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete
	A Home Condition Report*

The authorised documents include:

	Guarantees and warranties
	Other searches.

* The Regulations will be amended so that as from 1 June 2007 the Home Condition Report will be an authorised part of the Pack.