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Why do you need a HIP?

It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you can't market your property without one. The HIP lets buyers see important information on the property at the start of the process, free of charge.

This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process that can cause delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.

What is in a HIP?

The HIP is made up of required (compulsory) and authorised (optional) items.

There shouldn't be any marketing or advertising material in the pack, so make sure it contains official information only.

Listed below are all the compulsory documents that need to be included:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• sustainability information (required for newly built homes only)
• sale statement
• evidence of title
• standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
• leasehold/commonhold documents where appropriate

For more detailed information on the compulsory and optional documents and how to get them, follow the links below.

• HIPs: compulsory items
• HIPs: optional items

How do you get a HIP?

The person responsible for marketing a property (this could be you or the estate agent) must have commissioned a HIP by the time that the property is on the market.

If you want to get a HIP, you can choose any of the following options:

• get an estate agent to do it
• use a solicitor
• use a specialist HIP provider
• compile it yourself

• HIPs: compiling a Home Information Pack

Finding a HIP provider

If you are commissioning a HIP, you should consider a company that is a member of the HIP Code. To find out about the HIP code and find a HIP provider follow the link below.

• The HIP Code and the Search Code

Does your property need a HIP?

If you're selling a private residential property on the open market, you will normally need a HIP. You do not need a HIP for:

• properties where there is no marketing (eg selling to a member of your family)
• non-residential properties
• properties limited by law to use as holiday accommodation or occupation for less than 11 months per year
• mixed sales (eg shop with flat)
• right to buy and similar sales
• sales of portfolios of properties
• properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
• unsafe properties and properties to be demolished

For more information on exceptions, follow the link below.

• Download the factsheet on sub-divided buildings, portfolios and annexes (PDF, 1039K)
• Help with PDF files

New builds

You do have to provide a HIP for new build properties. For details of what needs to be provided for a new build, follow the link below.

• HIPs: compulsory items

More about HIPs for sellers

Follow the links below for more information about HIPs, including how much they cost, ways to pay for them, how long they last, and what they look like.

• HIPs: more information for sellers
• HIPs: compiling a Home Information Pack