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Home Information Packs (HIPs) get Full Roll Out (22/11/2007)
Home Information packs (Hips) will be required for all properties being sold in England and Wales from 14 December, the Government has announced. Since September all properties with three or more bedrooms have required a HIP before they can be sold. This ultimately bringing increased work for Domestic Energy Assessors in producing the legal Energy Performance Certificate within the pack.


Landlords / Lettings agents
From next year all domestic rented property to be let will also require EPC's.

The Government estimates there being 1.6 million homes carrying this requirement in the UK in the first year alone! Additionally from April this year Commercial properties being sold that are either new or over 500sq.m shall also require EPC's.


Green findings - Energy Performance Certificates and Home Information Packs
Average four bedroom homes are getting an 'E' energy rating, according to a survey from the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (HIPs).

New information six weeks after the launch of EPCs and HIPs, shows that average four bedroom homes and above could save hundreds of pounds off heating, lighting, and water bills.

Most homes are receiving an 'E' rating in their EPCs on the A-G scale, but this could potentially rise to a 'C' if consumers undertake measures recommended in the certificates, such as loft and cavity wall insulation.


The early findings come from a snapshot survey of energy assessors and EPCs provided since the launch of HIPs, which show average 4 bedroom homes are being rated 'E' and could typically save £180 on heating, £60 on lighting and £30 on hot water bills, a year.

The top 5 recommendations given by assessors for improving energy efficiency have been: cavity wall insulation, changing to low energy lighting, putting thermostatic valves on radiators, loft insulation, and double glazing.

The introduction of HIPs is already starting to reduce costs and improve transparency in the housing market. More than 85 local authorities have reduced their search costs, in some cases by more than £100.

The average pack is taking around 5 days to compile, with major estate agents charging in the region of £300 plus VAT for a HIP, on an upfront or deferred basis - £200 to £250 of which is already paid under the current system.

Some Estates are taking referral fees off larger HIP companies reported to be in the region of £100. Make sure you ask your Estate agent for a breakdown of the cost of a HIP. Always use an Independent HIP provider.

 

GO GREEN AND GET A GRANT..

Communities Minister Iain Wright said:


"Families buying four bedroom homes are getting clear information which shows how they can save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills and cut carbon emissions too. It is important that this should be available for people buying three bedroom homes as well."


Typical 'green grants' of £100 to £300 for energy saving improvements like loft insulation are available to many home owners from energy suppliers as part of their legal obligations introduced by government to improve energy efficiency. Consumers can now access details of green grants and offers by tapping in their postcode on the Energy Saving Trust's website.

Energy suppliers are also providing direct information about grants to home buyers when they sign up to an energy contract.