Hips

RDB

What is the law regarding HIPS before you sell your house?

I thought it was just that it has to have been ordered?

I have ordered one and my EA was happy with that, but I wasnt happy with them after I did a mystery shop on them for a house like mine, so I sacked them.

Now my new EA is telling me they cant put it on the market until I pay them for the HIPS pack. My last EA was fine that I just had ordered one, but this one is saying I`ve definately got to pay the couple of hundred quid now.

I dont want to do that because if it doesnt sell soon we will justrent it out.

Doozergirl

Ordering one does mean you you have to pay for it really. Some items can be produced very quickly - they all cost money and they can't be reused as they are specific to your property only. The legal requirement for one needing to be ordered suggests there needs to be some kind of proof that the HIP is on it's way.

How can you 'order' one without actually ordering one? If your property goes to market, it needs a HIP, it only needs to be ordered to commence marketing. Your EA wants to be compliant and they also want a commitment from you.

You don't have to use them for your HIP, but you do need one. It's the same rules for all of us you know. Don't be surprised that your avoidance tactics aren't working anymore.

jimc_2

The DC&LG website quotes the following:

"The provision for first day marketing allows a property to be marketed without a HIP as long as the required documents have been commissioned and paid for (or arrangements for payment made) and there is an expectation they will arrive within 28 days."

Hope this helps.

david29dpo

If you are using someone other than the agent for your hip, which you need, get them to email the agent to say the pack has been commissioned. Marketing can then begin.