First Day Marketing & changes to HIPs

HIPs from £205 INCLUSIVE of VAT for properties up to 4 bedrooms

From 6th April important changes are being introduced, both to the content of the HIP and to make them available at the first point a property is marketed. Whilst the detailed regulations are still awaited from government a summary of changes that will come into effect from 6th April 2009 are as follows:

  • A completed Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)* must be included in the HIP
  • A completed HIP must be available before marketing can begin
  • Evidence must be given that all searches whether produced by the local authority or a personal search company have been ordered, although it is not mandatory that they are received before first day marketing can begin. The searches must be complete with no gaps in the data and covered by insurance.

*The PIQ has been designed to add further information and benefits to the existing HIP and is akin to the optional Home Use Form (HUF). It is proposed that the PIQ will include;

  • Access arrangements
  • Utilities/services and details of provider
  • Council Tax band
  • Boundaries
  • Any changes to the property
  • Parking arrangements
  • Damage to the property
  • Leasehold information

You are able to complete a Property Information Questionnaire by downloading and printing the document Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) – Download documentPIQ Download on the right hand side of this page. Once complete, either return the document by freepost to your local office;

Symes Robinson & Lee, FREEPOST NAT2758, EXETER EX1 1BR or
Symes Robinson & Lee, FREEPOST NATW1270, BUDLEIGH SALTERTON EX9 6BF

or you can simply scan the document and return it to us by email attachment to;
ng@srl-solicitors.co.uk for the Budleigh Office
sjt@srl-solicitors.co.uk for the Exeter Office
Should you experience any problems completing the PIQ then please do not hesitate to contact your local office and ask for the HIPs team who will be happy assist you.

In light of these changes, as of 6th April 09, the documents required to be in a HIP are:
  • Index
  • Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
  • Energy Performance Certificate
  • Sale Statement
  • Evidence of Title
  • Standard searches
  • Lease (where appropriate)
  • Sustainability information (new homes only)
At Symes Robinson & Lee we are prepared for this change and aim to provide completed HIPs to clients ready for first day marketing. If you would like any further information then please contact your local office and ask for their HIPs department who will be able to help you. Alternatively, you can email your details using the on-line request a call back section by clicking the icon at the top of this page. We will then contact you as a matter of priority.
Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) - Download document PIQ Download

Low priced HIPs – deferred options available *

Lexcel Law Society

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