Do I need a home information pack for the property I'm selling?

All properties "marketed for sale" from the 17 December 2007 on England and Wales require a Home Information Pack unless the property falls within a specifically excluded category. The Excluded categories are:

1. Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of your family)
2. Non-residential properties
3. Properties subject to a condition limiting their use to occupation for less than 11 months per year or holiday accommodation
4. Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
5. Right to buy and similar sales
6. Sales of portfolios of properties
7. Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
8. Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished.

The legislation has however been phased into the property market since 1 August 2007. The following properties required a HIP from the commencement date listed:

Sales of homes with 4 or more bedrooms - 1 August 2007
Sales of homes with 3 or more bedrooms - 10 September 2007

Properties that were already on the market before the relevant date for each category do not need a HIP, for example, a four-bedroom property on the market prior to 1 August 2007 will still not require a HIP.

At this stage no such date has been set when all properties that are on the market will require a HIP.

If you wish to speak to one of our specialist conveyancing solicitors, please contact us on freephone 0808 155 4870. We have offices in London, Manchester, Salford & Birmingham and operate nationally.