17/08/2007

Hips Rolled Out To Three-Bedroom Properties

The Government has announced that Home Information Packs (Hips) will be rolled out to three bedroom properties from 10 September 2007.

Hips and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are being introduced on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition in the housing market, and to begin the process of transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment at the earliest opportunity.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said: "We are now ready to start rolling out HIPs and EPCs to the next part of the market as promised, and improve a home buying and selling process which currently is not working for consumers or the environment.

“Hips and EPCs can help families to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills, and cut a million tonnes of carbon a year. They also have the potential to reduce the millions of pounds wasted by consumers when buying and selling a home, by increasing transparency and competition in a process that hasn’t changed for a generation."

Following the introduction of the packs for homes with four bedrooms and above on 1 August 2007, the Government confirmed there will be enough energy assessors, nationally and regionally, to roll out to three bedroom homes next month.

A further announcement on rolling out HIPs and EPCs to other properties will be made in due course.

Our key criteria will be ensuring a smooth implementation and that the necessary energy assessors, both nationally and regionally, are in place.

(SP)

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