Hips

jangor_2

My query is that in February 2008 (approx) my house went on the market and the EA arranged the HIPS. About 5 to 6 months later I withdrew the house from the market. In April of this year I once again put my house back on the market, the EA advising he could use the same HIPS as it was being marketed within twelve months. I then had problems with the EA and the house was withdrawn from the market. This month I am again trying to sell my house but have been advised that as the HIPS is over twelve months old I need to commission a new pack. Is this correct?

With thanks.

the_other_half

Are you sure you definitely withdrew your house from the market? Maybe you told the EA you were not using their services but you may have kept a poster/sign in the window and tried to sell it privately during this time?

If you did continuously market the property you don't require a new HIP but the searches will probably have to be updated once you find a buyer.

Good luck

Doozergirl

You don't have to replace a HIP after 12 months. The HIP is no longer valid after 12 months of withdrawing it from the market so if you remarket within 12 months, it is acceptable. You've done this twice but I don't think there is going to be specific legislation on this and you can probably use it - I would call the helpline and ask them straight. 020 7944 4400

EAs are often more receptive when you have some authority behind you! Also, if you were producing another one, let the E know you'd be using a cheap HIP provider anyway, not them!

The other side of this is why you keep putting your house up and pulling it off again?

jangor_2

Thankyou. I will check with the number given although the EA is insistent that I require a new HIPS but he has said the EPC does not need to be repeated as this remains valid. Unfortunately I moved into the property in 2007 and found I was very unhappy. Because the property required work, I had all the basic work carried out and it went back on the market in 2008. The house failed to attract any viewers, despite repeatedly reducing the price, and it was withdrawn from the market. I moved from the house as I could not cope with living there. I then tried to sell earlier this year but had dreadful problems with the EA and after the obligatory 8 weeks the house was once again withdrawn. As I am concerned with owning a now empty property I am once again attempting to sell but obviously cannot do so without a HIPS in place.

With thanks.