What is in a HIP?
The content of the HIP for sales of new homes is broadly similar that for sales of second-hand properties. However, most new homes are sold ‘off-plan’, and this is taken into account where appropriate (see below).
The required documents are:
- An index
- A sale statement
- Evidence of title
- Standard searches
- Energy Performance information
- Where appropriate, additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales.
Standard searches comprise:
- local searches (search of the local land charges register, additional enquiries of the local authority)
- standard drainage and water search
However, it is recognised that much of the information that would be contained in the full search will not be available when marketing starts – particularly when marketed off-plan – and that the information that is available often will not be site-specific.
The results of a search can be incomplete if the information is not available in any circumstances. It is also permitted for a search covering a complete development to be included, provided it includes the particular property, although the Government strongly advise a search per property if this is practicable and if circumstances suggest that that this would produce a different result.