Home Information Pack: Everything Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is a collection of property-related documents provided by the seller to potential buyers at the start of the selling process. It was first introduced by the UK government as a legal requirement to make home buying more transparent and efficient.

Although the legal obligation to provide a HIP was suspended in 2010, many proactive real estate agents and sellers still use a voluntary version of the pack today. It typically includes legal documentation, energy reports, and local authority searches — offering buyers confidence and clarity upfront.

Why Were Home Information Packs Introduced?
What’s Included in a Home Information Pack?
Who Needs a Home Information Pack?
Are Home Information Packs Still Required?
Benefits of Using a Home Information Pack
How to Prepare a Home Information Pack
Cost of Creating a Home Information Pack
Tips for Buyers Reviewing a HIP
HIP vs. Seller Disclosure: Key Differences
How Technology Has Changed the HIP Process
Common Questions About HIPs
Expert Advice from Real Estate Professionals
Final Thoughts on the Value of HIPs
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Were Home Information Packs Introduced?

The primary goal of HIPs was to:

Speed up the home-buying process
Reduce transaction failures
Improve transparency between buyer and seller
Empower consumers to make informed decisions sooner

Before HIPs, buyers often made offers without seeing key documents. This led to delays, renegotiations, and last-minute fallouts. The home information pack aimed to fix these pain points by putting the facts on the table early.

What’s Included in a Home Information Pack?

Although the original format was standardized, a modern HIP can be tailored to suit the property. Here are the typical contents:

📄 1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Shows the property’s energy efficiency rating and tips for improvement.

📄 2. Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)

Details about utilities, boundaries, disputes, alterations, and warranties.

📄 3. Title Documents

Proof of ownership and land registry info.

📄 4. Local Authority Searches

Reveals planning issues, highways status, flood risks, and more.

📄 5. Fixtures & Fittings Form

Lists items included in the sale (e.g., curtains, appliances, built-ins).

📄 6. Leasehold Documents (if applicable)

Ground rent, service charges, and lease terms for leasehold properties.

📄 7. Building Regulation Certificates & Warranties

Especially for newer homes or those with recent renovations.

Who Needs a Home Information Pack?

While no longer legally required, HIPs are particularly beneficial for:

First-time sellers who want to appear organized and trustworthy
Estate agents looking to offer premium selling services
Buyers’ agents assessing potential property risks
Developers or landlords selling multiple units
Buyers who want to evaluate a home seriously before making an offer

If you’re a seller, having a HIP can speed up the process and build trust — two essential ingredients for closing a deal in today’s competitive market.

Are Home Information Packs Still Required?

No, not legally. The requirement was officially suspended in May 2010 by the UK government. However, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) portion is still required for any home sale.

Many estate agents and professional sellers still recommend or voluntarily provide a HIP to enhance credibility and reduce transaction time.

Benefits of Using a Home Information Pack

Using a HIP gives you a strategic edge. Here’s why:

✅ Faster sales due to fewer delays with paperwork
✅ Buyer confidence thanks to upfront transparency
✅ Lower chances of deal fall-through
✅ More serious offers from informed buyers
✅ Improved negotiation power
✅ Professional image for estate agents and sellers alike

It’s all about creating a win-win situation for both buyer and seller.

How to Prepare a Home Information Pack

Follow these steps to create a professional HIP:

Hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to gather legal documents.
Order your EPC from an accredited assessor.
Download or request a PIQ and fixtures form from your agent or conveyancer.
Request local searches from the local council or use a third-party provider.
Compile all documents into one clearly labeled digital folder.
Share via secure links with your estate agent and potential buyers.

Several platforms like HomeLegalDirect and ReallyMoving can assist with the full HIP setup.

Cost of Creating a Home Information Pack

While the original government-mandated HIP had fixed pricing, a modern, voluntary version varies in cost.

Service	Estimated Cost
EPC	£60–£120
Local Searches	£150–£300
Solicitor Fees	£200–£500
Pack Assembly (Optional Agent Service)	£50–£100

Total average cost: £400–£800, depending on property size and complexity.

Tips for Buyers Reviewing a HIP

As a buyer, here’s how to make the most of the information:

✅ Look closely at the EPC for energy efficiency insights
✅ Review the title and PIQ for potential red flags
✅ Verify any listed warranties or building permits
✅ Cross-reference the HIP with your own survey findings
✅ Ask questions about anything unclear before making an offer

Doing so ensures you make an informed, confident purchase.

HIP vs. Seller Disclosure: Key Differences

Feature	HIP	Seller Disclosure
Origin	UK	Global (esp. USA)
Contents	Legal, energy, searches	Seller’s declarations only
Legal status	No longer mandatory	Often required
Scope	Broader	Focused on condition/issues

While both share the goal of informing the buyer, HIPs include a wider range of formal documents.

How Technology Has Changed the HIP Process

Thanks to tech platforms, HIPs are now:

📁 Digitally compiled and shared
🔍 Easily searchable and verifiable
📱 Available on mobile-friendly real estate sites
🔐 Stored securely in cloud-based platforms

Apps like DocuSign and Dropbox Sign make it easier than ever to collect signatures and send documents instantly — streamlining the transaction.

Common Questions About HIPs

Do I still need a HIP to sell my house?
No, but having one is highly recommended to speed up the sale and improve buyer trust.

Can I create a HIP myself?
Yes, but it’s best to involve a conveyancer to ensure accuracy.

Is the EPC still required?
Yes, the EPC is still a legal requirement when selling any property in the UK.

Can I use an online template?
Yes. Many estate agents offer digital HIP templates, and services like HIP-Consultant.co.uk provide help.

Expert Advice from Real Estate Professionals

“Offering a HIP shows you’re serious about selling and reduces delays. In a competitive market, that can be the difference between sold or sitting.”
— Mark Hamilton, Property Consultant

“Buyers love transparency. When you present a clean, organized HIP, it builds immediate trust.”
— Sophie Nguyen, Estate Agent

Final Thoughts on the Value of HIPs

Although no longer mandatory, the home information pack remains a valuable tool for any seller wanting a smooth, fast, and transparent property sale. It benefits not just buyers but also estate agents and solicitors by keeping all documentation organized from the start.

Whether you’re selling your first home or managing a property portfolio, investing in a HIP is a small step that leads to faster sales, fewer disputes, and more confident buyers. In today’s digital world, offering clear, upfront information isn’t just good practice — it’s a competitive advantage.