Frequently Asked Questions

When do I have to obtain a HIP?

If you are offering your property for sale on the open market either privately or through and agent, you are required by law to obtain a Home information Pack prior to the commencement of marketing.

 

What must a HIP contain?

For more information on what is in a HIP as well as other useful information, visit our What is in a HIP? page.

Do I need to instruct my solicitor at the time of requesting a HIP?

If your property is registered title and freehold West Norfolk HIPs will be able to source all of the information needed for the pack without any work required by your solicitor. If the property is not registered title or is leasehold we will liaise with your solicitor in obtaining the copy documents necessary to complete the pack.

We do recommend that you advise your solicitor you are selling your property and have instructed West Norfolk HIPs to produce a pack, and that you pass a copy of the pack to your solicitor when it is delivered as this will help speed up the conveyancing process when a buyer is found.

 

Do I need to purchase another HIP if I change or instruct a second estate agent?

If you have purchased and paid for a HIP it is yours to use in the sale of your property. Certain documents in the HIP must have been obtained within the 3 months preceding first marketing. The HIP remains valid for the length of time your property remains on the market. If the property is taken off the market and then remarketed by the same seller (vendor) within a year of the original marketing date the same HIP can be used. If a sale falls through and the property is remarketed within 28 days regardless of the time since first marketing no new pack will be required. It should therefore not be necessary to obtain a second HIP if you change agents, subject to your agreement with your original agent regarding payment for the pack. Beware sales personnel who try and sell you a second pack unnecessarily.

 

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

See our page on Energy Performance Certificates for more information.

 

What if I have any queries about my Fenland HIP?

Your agent or solicitor will probably be able to answer a lot of the questions you may have as to what the documents in your pack mean through their professional knowledge of property and the conveyancing process. There is also an agents helpline if there are any points they need to query with us on your behalf

 

How much does a HIP cost?

See our Costs page for the options on buying and financing a HIP and discuss with you agent or solicitor the exact cost for your property that most suits your requirements.

 

Can I start marketing before a HIP is complete?

The government have indicated that legislation will provide that you must have commissioned a HIP before you can start marketing.