At 1st Solicitors we have been monitoring over several months progress of the introduction of the Home Information Packs (HIPs). Whilst our own view is that we see the Home Information Packs as adding very little to the conveyancing process, we have nevertheless prepared for their introduction. We have the facility to produce a Home Information Pack for our clients, although we are not able to finalise our pricing policy.

The announcement that the government has delayed the introduction of the Home Information Packs is, we believe, to be welcomed. It will give time for quiet reflection as to what will actually be achieved by introducing these or if they are still to be introduced to provide more time for all those working in the conveyancing field to ensure that systems are in place. It is proposed that the Home Information Packs will now only apply to sales of larger homes and these will be defined as 4 bedroomed properties, which we understand only make up about 18% of the property market.

The proposals announced by Ruth Kelly is that it will not be necessary now for the complete pack to be available before the property can be marketed and only that the seller should have requested a pack to be prepared. This would seem to continue to cast doubt on the effectiveness of the packs in any event.

We appreciate the justification of the production of an energy certificate, but our own belief is that that could be achieved at much less cost and frustration to the property market. It is now proposed that the Home Information Packs will be introduced from 1 August 2007.