Home Information Packs (HIPs) were originally to be introduced on 1 June 2007, however the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors requested a Judicial Review which focussed on the Energy Performance Certificates - not the Home Information Packs. An interim order effectively prevented the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates on 1 June 2007 whilst the case was being considered.
The Government decided that introducing Home Information Packs without Energy Performance Certificates was neither practical nor acceptable. As a result, Government withdrew the Home Information Pack regulations.
Government decided that Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates would be implemented on a phased basis from 1 August 2007.
From 1st August 2007 HIPs were required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger, with smaller properties being phased in later. The four bedroom and larger properties are considered to be the properties where energy efficiency savings are greatest. HIPs packs were then required for all properties on the first day of marketing up until 21 May 2010.
Please note on 21 May 2010 Government announced the suspension of HIPs packs with immediate effect. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been retained and sellers of property are now required to commission, but not necessarily to have recieved an EPC before marketing their property.
