Andrew Craig HIP Team!

Andrew Craig have formed a dedicated HIP team, including our own Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors. They are based in Gateshead to make sure that our clients can get their properties onto the market without delay when a HIP is required.
By having our own dedicated HIP preparation team we will be able to retain a higher degree of control than many other Estate Agents who choose to rely on third party HIP providers around the country.

How much will the pack cost?
We can provide a HIP with no upfront payment whatsoever and with no credit agreement unlike other estate agents. Or if you prefer you can pay us for the HIP at the outset. Call us on 0800 350 350 for further details.

What is a Home Information Pack?
The Government has introduced Home Information Packs (HIPs) for properties for sale with 3 bedrooms or more which are brought to the market after 10th September 2007. Until further notice properties with less than 3 bedrooms do not require a HIP.

How will Home Information Packs (HIPs ) help the current property buying and selling process?
Previously, most of the information a buyer required was only produced after an offer had been made and accepted. This meant any problems only came to light after the parties had incurred legal, survey and search fees, and resulted in sales falling through several weeks after the offer was accepted.

A Home Information Pack will ensure that all the important information is provided upfront, giving peace of mind to both you and your buyer, creating a smoother, faster path to a successful sale. All estate agents will now be required to belong to an approved consumer redress scheme when marketing any property with a HIP to create a higher standard of service for customers.

What is in a Home Information Pack?
The Home Information Pack will include key documents that are normally required when properties are bought and sold. Some documents will be mandatory and others optional.

The mandatory documents include the following :

• An index of contents
• A sales statement (summarising the sales details)
• Proof of ownership
• Local property searches
• An Energy Performance Certificate
• Common hold and leasehold information if appropriate
  
  Optional Documents will include :
• A Home Condition Report
• Guarantees and warranties
• Other searches relevant to any particular area

Are there any exclusions from the Home Information Pack ( HIP ) regulations?
Home Information Packs will not be required on the following :-

• Properties with 2 or fewer bedrooms (until further notice)
• Properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Private sales where the property is not offered on the open market
• Non-residential property or where homes are in mixed use with commercial property
• Properties sold with sitting tenants and not available for owner occupation
• Portfolios of residential property
• 'Right to Buy' sales by Local Authorities or other social landlords
• Homes held on a lease of less than 21 years

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The Government is committed to comply with EU Directive 2002/91/EC which aims to promote improvements in the energy performance of buildings.

The EU directive requires an energy performance certificate for all dwellings at the time of sale.
Energy Performance Certificates will tell property buyers and sellers about a property’s energy efficiency using A-G ratings, like those used to rate fridges and washing machines. The certificates will also make recommendations for cost effective improvements that can be made to help cut fuel bills and carbon emissions. Domestic energy consumption currently accounts for 27% of the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to global warming.

The energy performance certificate, prepared by Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors who are members of a Government approved certification scheme, is designed to help home owners save on energy bills and reduce the environmental impact of their properties. It is estimated that by following the recommendations in an EPC an average of £300 a year can be saved in fuel bills.
What is a Home Condition Report?

The optional Home Condition Report (HCR) provides information about the condition of the property and includes an Energy Performance Certificate.
The Home Condition Report rates the condition of each part of the home on a scale 1-3 (where 1 is best) - letting the seller and buyer know if any repairs are needed and, if so, whether they are serious.

Buyers and sellers can rely on the Home Condition Report. The Home inspectors who prepare them are qualified accredited and insured.

Where will I get my Home Information Pack?
Andrew Craig will provide a Home Information Pack for people with property for sale throughout Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Teeside.

Where can I find a Home Inspector or a Domestic Energy Assessor?
Andrew Craig have a team of qualified Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors who are available to prepare Home Condition Reports and Energy Performance Certificates quickly and efficiently. This allows clients to bring their home to the market without delay.

What do I do now?
Its really simple. Just call your local Andrew Craig branch or our Contact Centre (0800 350 350) and we will take care of everything for you.