First time buyers receive Hips clarification

12-Jun-2007

First time buyers have been informed of the schedule regarding the implementation of Home information packs (Hips) following an initial postponement last month.

The packs were due to be introduced on June 1st, but will now be phased in for homes with four bedrooms or more on August 1st, with three-bedroom and all other properties becoming eligible once enough energy assessors have finished their training periods.

"Hips and EPCs [Energy performance certificates] will provide an opportunity to make real progress on transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment. The approach outlined today will phase in the introduction of Hips and EPCs while making early carbon savings from homes," commented secretary of state for communities and local government Ruth Kelly.

However, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has criticised the new proposals.

"The NAEA continues to be dismayed that despite criticism of the proposals from Parliament, the industry, the media and the public, the CLG is continuing to push forward with these ill-thought out proposals," commented NAEA chief executive Peter Bolton King.

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