New build homes and Home Information Packs (HIPs)
Posted on: 15th July 2008
“There are particular requirements which now apply to Home Information Packs (HIPs) when you’re purchasing a new (new build) property” says Paul Cowdery, Residential Conveyancing Partner at Clarke and Son, Basingstoke.
He adds, “Newly built homes are affected by HIPs but there are differences in the way the scheme operates for these types of properties, particularly in the way that energy performance information is presented.”
Since 6th April 2008, all new build properties marketed ‘off-plan’ or ‘complete’ require a HIP. Any off-plan property physically completed after the 6th April requires an ‘As Built EPC’ (‘Energy Performance Certificate’) regardless of whether there was a HIP produced at the point of marketing. This is needed for Building Control to issue final certification and a copy with the recommendation report presented to the buyer on completion.
New homes marketed “off-plan” before they are physically complete will not have a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as these can only produced following a physical inspection of a completed building.
New build HIPs therefore differ from traditional HIPs with respect to the EPC which is replaced by a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) for plot sales marketed off-plan, or an ‘As Built EPC’ for completed properties. ‘As Built EPCs’ cannot be produced by Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) and can only be produced by qualified ‘On Construction Energy Assessors’.
Paul provides expert guidance on all legislation regarding Home Information Packs and how it affects home owners either as potential purchasers or as vendors.
If you’re looking for some help or advice on any aspect of Home Information Packs, either e-mail Paul Cowdery direct or telephone Clarke & Son on 01256 320 555.