What is a HIP?

HIPs are a government initiative to make property transactions clearer and safer for both buyers and sellers.

In simple terms, what this means is that the seller will provide much more detailed information about their property at the start of the selling process, thereby reducing the chance of any delays or misunderstandings once a buyer has been found.


Will I need a HIP?

Government legislation requires that all homes on the open market for sale require a Home Information Pack (HIP).
The Seller or their estate agent has to order a HIP before the property can be advertised for sale or viewed.


What is in a HIP?

A Home Information pack consists of the following items:

• A statement of sale explaining brief details of the legal title to the property and who is selling the property

• A copy of the legal title entries to the property that are held by HM Land Registry.

• A copy of the title plan to the property that is held by HM Land Registry.

• A Local Authority Search which provides information about the property that the Local Council may hold such as information regarding planning or building regulations affecting the property.

• A Water and Drainage search that confirms whether the property is connected to mains drainage and the location of various water pipes etc.


* An Energy Performance certification, which confirms the energy performance rating of a property including how Energy efficient a property may be and how it can be made more energy efficient. An Energy Inspector will have to attend the property in order to carry out the assessment that produces the certificate.

* Leasehold properties require a copy of the lease and service charge/ground rent/insurance details to be included.


Why use Eric Robinson for your HIP?

• Eric Robinson is one of the South Coast‘s leading conveyancing firms, with a large specialist team, five local offices and the kind of reassuring know-how that comes from years of experience.

• We have a dedicated IT department who work exclusively for us to maintain the latest case management systems to help us manage the production of your HIP.

• You and your Estate Agent can monitor the production of your HIP from our website.

• You will own your HIP - some providers will only provide HIP’s through Estate Agents - our system lets you own your own!


How much will it cost?

Our basic HIP costs £239.00 plus VAT. HIPs for Leasehold properties will cost £20 more If we have to obtain information from the freeholder or Managing Agent for the property. We will let you know the specific cost once we have checked with the freeholder or Managing Agent.


How do we obtain a HIP?

We allow you to choose the best method that suits you! Either:

• Log on to our website at www.ericrobinson.co.uk and click on the link to request a HIPS Pack

• E-mail hipsinfo@ericrobinson.co.uk and ask for further information

• Call your dedicated local Conveyancing team:

Southampton (023) 8022 6891

Hythe (023) 8084 4304

Bitterne (023) 8042 5000

Chandlers Ford (023) 8025 467