Thursday, Sep 03, 2009
Adapt or scrap HIPs
HIP-Consultant.co.uk: Will Home Information Packs (HIPs) be ‘scrapped’?
Pretty extensive article discussing the pros and cons of the Home Information Pack. Certainly raises some valid point especially if the Tories do get in. Could scrapping HIPs actually hinder the property market?
Posted by kaz @ 12:21 PM (693 views) Add Comment
9 Comments
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1. new user 2007 said...
Despite what VIs said originally, I think the packs actually helped to support prices by limiting supply (including even those just "researching" the market but not actually planning to sell would still appear as supply)...the lack of supply ha shelped them ramp up the market again (I stick to the underlying issues still being credit cycles, but the public given confidence by simple supply/ demand arguments) Now VIs are saying a lack of supply is supporting the market, it reinforces my view. So it would be great to see the packs disappear.
2. uncle tom said...
The Tories warned from the outset that they would not keep them, and the letter reproduced in this piece clearly shows that they are un-wavering in that respect.
Those who invested money to become involved in the HIP business knew exactly what the score was, (or were incredibly stupid) so if they havn't re-couped their investment before the election, then that's their problem - and no-one else's..
3. Orcusmaximus said...
I compiled parts of a HIP once. The searches are pointless as the buyer needs to get his own done anyway. The EPC is pointless - mine could be summarised as saying 'Efficiency can be improved by replacing all old lightbulbs with low energy lightbulbs'. Duh.
In short, HIPs are a complete waste of time and money. Pointless bureaucracy. That pretty much sums up the government as a whole!
4. mark wadsworth said...
Opinions are divided on these, the Tories always said they'd scrap them - they can't of course because they are an EU-imposed thing - but if the Tories think that scrapping them will increase selling prices, however marginally, then they might actually do it.
5. mr g said...
HIPS, like this rotten government, mean bug*er all.
They're just another con from the climate change lobby and a means of creating more "non jobs" and bureaucracy.
6. doomwatch said...
No one cares about the stupid HIP in England. However, the "Home Report" in Scotland (which must contain a single valuation survey)
is effectively letting surveyors determine sale prices, as buyers get to see the report (by law) and just set
their offers accordingly. There should be something similar like this in England to prevent EA over egging asking prices.
7. The Husband said...
Sadly the HiP doesn't go nearly far enough. I think they need to be a fair reflection on the condition of the house.
Does the roof need replacing?
Is the boiler shot?
Infact, does the whole central heating system need replacing?
Is the double glazing functioning correctly?
Does the electrical system comply? Is it likely to need replacing?
These are serious questions that need answering and the cost of the house should reflect any repair/replacement of these systems.
For too long now sellers have got away with murder.
8. Phil S said...
Agreed mr g.
HIP & EPC providers are classic examples of government quango's that have created thousands of "non-jobs"!
9. bluebeach said...
@7...... what you do get on your usual survey is " You therefore need to instruct (if required) a qualified roofer, heating eng, damp proofer, structural expert blah blah blah to confirm the condition of said areas" So your report really just says nowt, just disclaimer after disclaimer..... written by numpties who have just done a 5 week course after years of selling double glazing or coffins.