First time home buyer news: Hips 'will not disrupt market place'

15-Jun-2006

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has defended a scheme to introduce home information packs (Hips) on a voluntary basis ahead of compulsory introduction in 2007.

Hips will provide first timer buyers with more information about a property ahead of purchase, but have come under criticism from the Conservatives.

Ministers have questioned the costs, benefits and timing of the scheme's implementation and raised concerns about potential disruption of the market leading to house price inflation.

Mike Ockenden, director general of the AHIPP, said: "The Conservatives position seems to be changing all the time."

"David Cameron started by criticising and said how bad it would be for first time buyers. I think now they recognise that it will be very good for first time buyers."

The contention that Hips will upset the market place is not supported by any evidence and is inconsistent with historical trends, according to the AHIPP.

Hips have been called for by consumer groups to provide first time buyers and movers with information at the beginning of the home buying process.

Figures suggest that £1 million are wasted every day when house sales fall through.

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