Home Information Packs have been shrouded in controversy since they were first introduced last year, with both supporters of the packs and those opposed to them arguing their side. Those supporting HIPs have stated that these packs contain all of the information necessary to make the sale and purchase of a property smooth, quick, and hassle free. However, those opposed to the packs have said that they cause unnecessary delays, are costly, and are even resulting in fewer properties coming onto the market because some buyers are put off.

One estate agent recently said that HIPs were at least partly responsible for a downturn in the number of properties being put up for sale, stating that there had been a marked reduction following the widespread implementation of the packs on all residential properties in England and Wales late last year.

He said: “Clearly everyone accepts that there are a number of financial and economic factors that have caused the market to take a breather after seven hectic years. However, these figures show that there is an anomaly between instructions on properties where a Hip is required and where one is not.”

He added: “With sales slowing and normally a traditional autumn bulge in instructions, it would be normal to expect stock levels to be significantly higher. This once again appears to show the adverse effect Hips are having on the market, the lives of consumers and indeed the overall economy.”

A recent trial also seemed to indicate that the packs were not as effective has many had hoped they would be, with figures indicating that only one in six potential property purchasers was actually getting to see the pack before putting in an offer on the property.

The shadow housing minister was not impressed with this, 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, there are also supporters of these packs. One government official recently said: “First-time buyers’ upfront costs are falling as a result of the packs, greater competition is driving down the cost of Local Authority searches for all, and EPCs are helping consumers cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.”

Following the recent trial the housing minister, Caroline Flint, said: ‘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.’

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