HIPs Scope Extended as Home Offices Proliferate

After the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) on 1 August 2007, a HIP must be supplied when a property with four or more bedrooms is put on the market. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a proliferation of ‘three bedroom’ properties being offered for sale which have an additional office, walk-in dressing room or similar.

The  Government have reacted to this trend quickly, announcing on 17 August that HIPs and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be compulsory for all properties with three or more bedrooms put on the market after 9 September 2007.

Currently, the Government claims that a HIP costs in the region of £250-400 and takes about five days to create. It also asserts that putting into effect the measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bills. ‘Green grants' of £100 to £300 for energy saving improvements like loft insulation are available for many home owners.

It remains to be seen if the result of this latest move is a glut of ‘two bedroom, two office’ properties. We can, however, expect to see more three bedroom houses marketed as being ‘two bedroom plus home office’.