NEWS & EVENTS

As from 6th April 2009 important changes are being made to Home Information Packs (HIPs). If you are selling your home there are two key changes you will need to know.

From this date the current first day marketing exemption will be removed. This means that the basic HIP must be available to buyers as soon as the property comes onto the market. Local searches can still be included in the HIP up to 28 days after the first day that the property is marketed.

Also introduced on this date will be Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ). The PIQ is a compulsory document required in the HIP to be completed by the seller. The PIQ will provide potential buyers with simple, useful information about the property such as flood risk and gas/electrical safety.

Property lawyer, Adrian Lazell of Roythorne Solicitors said, "Essentially, the seller will have to ensure that the basic HIP is available before the property is marketed. The earlier you instruc