Lampthink Ltd. - Frequently Asked Questions

What if I refuse to get a HIP?
It is illegal to market a property without a HIP and to do so renders you and / or your estate agent to prosecution and payment of fines. Compliance is enforced by local authority trading standards inspectors who are entitled to request evidence of a HIP when they identify that a property is being marketed.
Can my property be marketed before the HIP is completed?
Yes. The property can be marketed immediately but it is proposed that as from June 2008 that it will no longer be possible to market the property until a partially completed HIP is produced incorporating at least the Index, Sale Statement, Legal Documentation and Energy Performance Certificate.
I thought the HIP had to include a survey of the property.
This was the Governments initial proposal for HIPs but was dropped from the final format of HIPs. It is possible, however, that the requirement to produce a Home Condition Report may be reinstated at a later date.
I have paid for my HIP up front and I want to change my estate agent - Can I take the HIP with me to my new agent?
Yes. If you have paid for you HIP it is your property and can be used by your new estate agent or by you if you intend to market your property privately.
I am buying a property - Do I need to pay for a HIP on the property I am buying?
No. It is the responsibility of the seller to pay for the HIP.
My property has been on the market for a while - Do I need to keep the HIP up to date?
No. There are no set time limits for the documents in the HIP.
I am selling my property to a relative / friend and the property has never been on the market - Do I still need a HIP?
No. Not if the property has not been marketed.
I am advertising the property for sale myself and not using an estate agent - Do I still need a HIP?
Yes. The requirement to produce a HIP applies to you as a personal seller and you will be committing an offence and will be liable to a fine if you do not provide one.
If I take my property off the market after my HIP is produced but then change my mind and put the property back on the market do I need to get another HIP?
No, provided the property is off the market for less than 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I refuse to get a HIP?

Can my property be marketed before the HIP is completed?

I thought the HIP had to include a survey of the property.

I have paid for my HIP up front and I want to change my estate agent - Can I take the HIP with me to my new agent?

I am buying a property - Do I need to pay for a HIP on the property I am buying?

My property has been on the market for a while - Do I need to keep the HIP up to date?

I am selling my property to a relative / friend and the property has never been on the market - Do I still need a HIP?

I am advertising the property for sale myself and not using an estate agent - Do I still need a HIP?

If I take my property off the market after my HIP is produced but then change my mind and put the property back on the market do I need to get another HIP?