20
May
HIPs requirement suspended by new government
Homeowners are no longer required to provide home information packs (HIPs) when selling a property in the UK.
The government announced a suspension today (May 20th), with plans
in place to make the abolition permanent.
Housing minister Grant Shapps and communities secretary Eric
Pickles argued the move will save sellers hundreds of pounds as
well as making it easier for them to put their properties on the
market.
"This swift and decisive action will send a strong message to the
fragile housing market and prevent uncertainty for both home
sellers and buyers," said Mr Pickles, adding the recovery of the
economy as a whole will be aided by the development.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors director of communications
Gillian Charlesworth welcomed the decision, suggesting HIPs have "failed to address" the problems they were
designed to tackle.
She called for the opportunity to discuss improving the process to
be seized and for innovative proposals for reform to be put
forward.
