The Home Condition Report, Home Inspectors and the Home Information Pack

Will all properties need a Home Information Pack

The Pack will be required for every residential property that is offered sale with vacant possession, subject to a number of exceptions that will be defined in detail in the secondary legislation. In general, these exceptions relate to commercial properties, for example trading farms, or mixed use properties such as a shop with a flat above, or properties sold as part of a portfolio of residential investments. Brand new homes will require a HIP, but those constructed under a government approved warranty (i.e. NHBC) will not require a Home Condition Report.

The duty to assemble a Home Information Pack falls upon the seller or their agents and copies of the HIP are to be provided upon request. Enforcement will be carried out through trading standards officers, as well as the OFT and the right of private action.