The legal requirement to have a Home Information Pack (HIP) available before offering a property for sale came into force in England and Wales for four-bedroom properties on August 1, 2007, and three-bedroom properties from September 10, 2007. All properties are now included.

The Home Information Pack includes key documents including an Energy Performance Certificate and a number of the legal documents normally associated with the sale of a residential property.

A Home Information Pack must contain:

• An index of contents
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This is a comprehensive energy assessment of the property, giving the property both an energy efficiency rating and an environmental impact rating. The EPC must be issued by an authorised inspector.
• A sale statement (basic information about the sale such as name of seller and property address, whether the home is freehold or leasehold etc)
• Land Registry title and plan (up-to-date official record of who owns the land)
• Searches relating to the property (or proof that these have been commissioned)
• New homes warranty (if applicable)

Some documents can be added later if they are unavailable or if there is a delay, and you will be advised by your estate agent or HIP provider if this occurs.

You can find out more about Home Information Packs on the official government website at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

Advertising options

Advertise property privately:

Option 1 - Accessible Property Register website (accessible and adapted property only).
» Advertise my property on the Accessible Property Register website

Option 2 - Multi-site advertising (all property). Advertise with our mainstream partners, The Little House Company. Packages include upload to more than 250 of the biggest property websites in the business. Includes free placement on this website if your property meets our access criteria.
» Advertise my property with The Little House Company

Prefer to use an estate agent?

We can recommend APR Approved Partner estate agents in most parts of the UK. All our agents are members of a relevant professional association.
» Find an APR Approved Partner estate agent