Eric Robinson are Ahead of The Game

Being responsible for one of the largest conveyancing teams on the south coast and having over 37 years of experience in the profession, Paul Bakewell has followed the development of HIPS since the idea was first muted by a Conservative Government back in 1994.

‘There can be no doubt that the implementation of HIPs has attracted a great deal of interest and media coverage in the past few months,’ says Paul, Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors. ‘Though it has caused some unnecessary anxiety, I believe the HIP pack is a very worthwhile initiative. At a time when there is a great concern over the environment and global warming, energy assessments will become an increasingly important aspect of buying and selling property.’

Paul’s confidence in HIPs was clearly demonstrated when he decided Eric Robinson Solicitors should take part in the Government’s ‘Early Adoption Scheme’ that was pioneered last year in Southampton as one of only eight cities in the UK.

‘Being a part of this scheme early on was the ultimate ‘win, win’ scenario,’ explains Paul. ‘The Government got to see the process in action and we were able to both plan and gain the experience we needed for when HIPs become compulsory in August.’

And Paul certainly wasted no time at all. Eric Robinson’s IT department has developed an exclusive Case Management system and the firm has established an agreement with a large local independent Home Inspector Group for the quick and professional production of Energy Performance Certificates.

‘After working so hard over the past few months, we know we can produce the best quality HIPs quickly and efficiently as part our conveyancing service. As an independent producer, there is no middle man and we can keep our HIPs competitively priced, passing significant savings onto our clients. We will also allow clients to request or monitor the progress of their HIP production at www.ericrobinson.co.uk.’

‘As one of the most well known legal firms in the region, people have always come to us because of our extensive experience of the local property market and we have already had enquiries about HIPs from clients and local estate agents who know and trust the service we provide. ‘

‘I believe that this is the first step to HIPs delivering all the benefits that the government created it for - the provision of property information upfront so that buyers have full knowledge of the property they want at the time they make a purchase offer and find the whole transaction much quicker and easier. In fact, I have already seen the HIPs packs we offer greatly reduce waste and provide less stress.’