Trial shows HIPs to be ineffective

A recent trial has suggested that the controversial Home Information Packs, which are now compulsory for all homes being marketed for sale in England and Wales, are not proving to be as effective as officials had hoped.

HIPs were introduced just before summer last year, and due to various delays did not come into full force until December of last year.

The idea behind HIPs was to make the sale of a home a smoother and easier process, and provide vital information to potential buyers.

Many people have been against HIPs from the start, claiming that they cause unnecessary delays and prove costly, but officials involved in their implementation have said that they should prove to be a valuable asset when it comes to the sale of a home. However, according to recent figures the HIP is only seen by one in every six people before they make an offer on the property.

The shadow housing minister stated that the figures proved a point – that HIPs were ineffective, stating: ‘These results reveal what we and the industry have known all along, Hips are a complete waste of time. It is proving to be a very costly and bureaucratic joke. The Hip hasn’t made the process quicker or more certain, it has simply made it more expensive and choked in paperwork. It is the time this Government scrapped Hips once and for all.’

However, Caroline Flint, the current housing minister stated: ‘What is clear from the trials is more buyers wanted to see the Hip but it was not always made available to them. We have taken action to increase awareness of the right to see a Hip and to remind agents of their responsibility to provide one. Consumers are benefiting. Search costs are falling, first time buyers are receiving important information.’