Home Information Packs (HIPS)
Hips are compulsory if you want to sell your home in England and Wales.
However there are some exceptions.
- How do I get a Hip pack You can either compile it yourself by collecting all the compulsory information (see here), or you can comission someone to do it your behalf. This is the preferred option as they should be able to compile it quickly and more cost effectively.
Find out more about the documents you must include in your Hips pack.
- To compile a Hips pack you should be signed up to a code of practice like the Hip Code, find an appropriate firm.
- An important part of the Hips Pack is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You must have this as part of your pack.
The EPC assesses the energy efficiency of your home and gives it a rating and then displays it like this:
This will inform potential buyers on the overall energy efficiency of your home and its environmental impact. It will also give some recommendations.
This should be included in the package if you commission your Hips pack from a company. If you want to order it your self use one of these accredited companies.
Energy Performance Certificates for homes can only be provided by accredited and qualified Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA). Further details on EPCs and how to find a DEA can be found on www.epcs4u.com. This website also provides useful links to find competent and registered trades people to carry out recommended improvements.
Some of the ways you could improve the efficiency of your home is to increase the insulation around your home. This is relatively cheap and easy to do. Start by investigating the level of loft insulation you have and if you have cavity walls look at getting these insulated.
How old is your boiler, if it is over 10 years old you may benefit from installing a new one, this will not only reduce the amount of carbon used to heat your home but it will cut your gas bill.
Fit Solar panels to heat your hot water or look at installing a heat pump. These renewable options, whilst relatively expensive, can help increase the overall efficiency of your home.
The CERT scheme has been set up to help home owners pay for some of there energy efficiency items.
For more detailed advice on saving energy visit the Energy Savings Trust.
Once you have your Hips Pack you can then sell your house.
For more information on HIPS visit Directgov.
Learn more about Energy Efficiency or visit our Advice Library to answer any questions you may have.
Energy Efficiency Advice Library