The majority of proeprty placed on the market in England and Wales need to provide a Home Information Pack or HIP before the property can be marketed.

Ocean provide a seamless and stress free HIP service, ensuring your home can be marketed as soon as possible.

All Home Information Packs must contain
Index
Sale Statement
Searches (local authority, water and drainage)
Evidence of Title
Energy Performance Certificate

Leasehold Property must also contain
A copy of the lease
Copies of regulations not written into the lease
3 years service charge accounts
Summary of any works being undertaken or proposed
Details of lessor and management agent
Building insurance policy and payment details.

These documents can also be included but are not compulsory (authorised documents)
A Home Condition Report (HCR)
A legal summary to explain complex documents
Home content/use forms
Guarantees/Warranties for work carried out
Coal Mining Searches

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC will tell home buyers and sellers about a home’s energy efficiency using A-G ratings.

The rating will be displayed on a graph similar to those found on the side of a fridge.
The EPC will also be attached to the sales details of your house, along with the room measurements and property photos.
Recommendations will also be made to help cut fuel bills and carbon emissions
EPC’s will be carried out by Domestic Energy Assessors who are members of a Government approved certification scheme.

Some questions we have been asked

What if I put my home on the market before 1st August 2007?
If you instruct an estate agent before 1st August 2007 you do not need to prepare a HIP, providing your property sells before 1st January 2009

How do I get my HIP?
When asking us to market your home, we will arrange the HIP for you. We can then make sure your home is put on the market as soon as we have all the documents back.

Do I need the HIP back before I can market my home?
Under the revised regulations, as long as a HIP has been ordered, you may put your property on the market, even if the pack has not been returned. This is an interim measure to take account of the lack of Home Inspectors and may change at a later date.

What will a HIP Cost?
An ocean hip, provided by ocean property lawyers costs £400 including VAT with no hidden extras.

I have heard there will not be enough energy inspectors, is this true?
At ocean we were worried about the lack of inspectors and the delays this will cause before people can put their homes on the market. We have therefore undertaken to employ a team of inspectors who can work exclusively for ocean ensuring the best service and speed for our clients.

Where can I find out more information?
Of course oceanhome is a great place to start, we have been reacting to changes in the housing market for over 23 years and have put together a HIPs package to suit everyone. Alternatively check http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/ for up to date news.