Articles

20th February 2008

HIPs made easy with Kingsfords Solicitors...

Most of us are now aware that since the 14th December 2007, anyone wishing to sell their home is required by law to provide a Home Information Pack (HIP) for the purchaser.

Obtaining a HIP does not need to be a complicated process and Kingsfords Solicitors, expert property lawyers can make the whole process quick, easy and pain free.

So what are HIPs and why have they been introduced?

In essence, HIPs contain all of the relevant legal documentation required before a sale can be completed, including land searches, water searches and title ownership documentation. The government introduced HIPs to speed up the traditional conveyancing process. Previously the cost and responsibility of dealing with all of the legal documentation and searches would be down to the buyer, but now it is the seller who has to provide all of this information in the form of a HIP.

Currently anyone marketing a property needs to have, at the very least, commissioned a HIP before marketing can proceed. And please note that by June 2008 the HIP will need to be completed prior to marketing the property.

A HIP can be purchased through an estate agent, but sellers should be aware that these often lack detail and some mortgage lenders will not accept the local search supplied if it is a “personal search”, i.e., if it is not carried out by the Local Authority itself, and may, therefore, request that a further local search be made, thus delaying the transaction and adding to costs. However, this can be avoided if a conveyancing solicitor is instructed. A property lawyer will often be far more thorough in their research and produce swifter results because they know exactly what the buyer’s’ solicitors will require.

Kingsfords are experts in property law with a wealth of experience. When clients instruct them they are guaranteed a personal service with a dedicated lawyer who deals with their HIP and who can be contacted on a direct telephone line, rather than a call centre and sales team like many other providers.

Kingsfords Solicitors provide a one stop shop for sellers requiring a HIP and deal with the whole process, from initial instruction through to completion of sale to ensure that all of the documents and searches are carried out in a timely manner including:

  • Local Authority searches
  • Water search
  • Title ownership documentation
  • Energy certificate
  • Property information forms

All the client is required to do is send a cheque or card payment to Kingsfords and they take care of the rest. What’s more, when they have received an instruction and cleared funds, Kingsfords will lodge the local authority search within 12 working hours and will notify the estate agent immediately that the HIP has been commissioned to enable immediate marketing of the property.

Kingsfords have just launched a dedicated HIPs page on their website to enable sellers to find out more about the price and process of obtaining a HIP and there is also a facility to request further information.

Even better, clients can get a reduction of £117.50 on Kingsford’s sale fees if they instruct Kingsfords Solicitors to carry out the sale as well.

To find out how Kingsfords Solicitors can provide a HIP with speed, personal service and attention to detail call Kellie Darke on 01233 624545 or log on to www.kingsfords-solicitors.com.

Disclaimer

The content of this article is intended for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for specific advice. It is based upon our understanding of the legal position as at May 2007 and it may be affected by subsequent changes in the law. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.