HIPs Not Dead and Buried Yet Warns Industry Expert!

Industry urged to provide responsible representation and encourage the trial of Home Condition Reports. 

While government seems to have buckled under anti-HIPs pressure from the property industry, resulting in Home Condition Reports becoming voluntary rather than mandatory, those in the know warn that both the property industry and the public should not ‘rest on their laurels’!

“While government appears to have been swayed by the controversy surrounding HIPs they have not scrapped the system and it is imperative to remember that HIPs will still become regulation as of 1 June 2007. It is disappointing that the Home Condition Report will not initially be mandatory, however the reports still have strong government recommendation,” comments Peter Hogston, from Home Information Pack provider, HIPsHomes. 

“It is important to remember that the idea behind Home Information Packs is basically sound, ultimately the aim is to simplify the process, eliminate unwanted expenditure and work towards reducing the current huge annual losses in the region of £350,000,000 from incomplete sales costs.” 

HIPsHomes have made strong in-roads into developing their HIPs provider packages and are fully committed to continuing the process of introduction through the implementation of a dry run in the near future. Hogston continues: “The industry needs to act responsibly and take the lead. Home Condition Reports have the ability to become a valuable and effective part of the house buying process, the industry would be wise to encourage sellers to test the system.

“The revised cost of the Home Information Pack is currently estimated at £400 / £500, which is not a significant drop from original estimates. Therefore if providers offer HCRs at a sensible cost they can still become an attractive proposition for vendors particularly those with a property that has proved difficult to sell or is not in ideal condition.  There will remain a need for an energy efficiency certificate and as this can only be produced through visiting and attending the property, there will still remain scope for the production of a voluntary HCR providing the cost of the HCR is kept low.

“Recent research indicates that the vast majority of consumers see value in and would welcome the Home Condition Reports. Government seems to have lost sight of the primary purpose of HIPs amidst the controversy. Consumer protection was, and should remain, at the heart of HIPs.  The onus is now placed on industry to remember this and drive the introduction of Home Condition Reports which are a fundamental part of the process and offer the most benefits to consumers,” concludes Hogston.  

For any further information about HIPsHomes please go to www.hipshomes.com or call Peter Hogston on 01508 495078 or email peter@hipshomes.com