HIPs for all homes ‘by November’

By mid-November, everyone selling their home will have to provide a Home Information Pack, according to experts within the housing industry.

The Association for Home Information Pack Providers also suggested that the packs would be rolled out gradually, covering three-bedroom homes next month.

Mike Ockenden, director-general of the AHIPP, said: "The government has said that when the numbers (of inspectors) are in place it will go ahead. If I was a betting man, I would say that three-bedroom houses will require Home Information Packs by mid-September and the whole housing market will be covered by mid-November."

The government estimates that 3,000 inspectors will be needed to provide HIPs for all homes. Figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government show there are currently 2,200 inspectors trained and accredited to provide HIPs.

Mr Ockenden said there are around 4,000 inspectors in training, which could mean that HIPs could be rolled out to cover the rental sector sooner than expected.

Discussions to make Home Condition Reports a compulsory part of HIPs will begin between the government and pack providers once HIPs are mandatory for all homes.

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