HIPs proving of little value

A recent report from the consumer campaign group Which? has indicated that the controversial Home Information Packs that were introduced by the government last year are of little value, and according to officials from the consumer campaign group the packs are in fact the ‘worst piece of consumer legislation in 50 years’.

Which? had actually previously been an advocate of the HIPs, but has now stated that some vital, changes are needed in order for the packs to be of any value.

Officials from Which? have also expressed concern over the fact that estate agents and also many consumers are set against the packs, which they say are expensive, time consuming, and not particularly useful.

An official from Which? said: ‘In principle HIPs should help home buyers and sellers, but they are of limited value in their current form. Our snapshot survey suggests there’s real confusion and a lack of confidence among home buyers and sellers and, most worryingly, by estate agents about HIPs. ‘
He added: ‘We want to see an independent review of the whole home buying process, to make home buying and selling easier, cheaper and quicker for consumers. It’s been ten years since this promised and not enough has changed in England and Wales. Scotland will introduce its own form of HIPs in December this year. These home reports will include a survey and a questionnaire covering useful information about the property.’