Home Information Packs (HIPS)

1. Do I require one?
2. What is in a Home Information Pack (HIP)?

Do I require one?

Basically ALL new properties to market will require a HIP, unless you fall into 1 of the following points.

• Properties in Scotland.
• 4 or more bedrooms homes that have been continuously marketed before the 4th August 2007.
• 3 bedroom homes that have been continuously marketed before the 10th September 2007.
• 2 or less bedrooms homes that have been continuously marketed before 14th December 2007.
• Properties where there is no marketing such as selling to a member of the family.
• Non-residential properties such as an office.
• Mixed sales such as a shop with a flat.
• Sales of a portfolio of properties.
• Properties not being sold with vacant possession such as a tenant.
• Unsafe properties or properties to be demolished.

So unless you fall into 1 of those points above you will require a HIP. If you were marketing your property before the dates specified, please note that even if you property comes of the market for 1 day, and then goes back on the market, as it has not been continuously marketed you will then require a HIP.

If you market your property without a HIP where you did not fall under one or more of the exemption rules, you will face the possibility of a penalty for each day it remains on the market, as well as being asked to take the property of the market until you have ordered a HIP.

Once you have ordered your HIP you can market your property while it is being created.