As we wade through the latest round of HIP bashing and HIP defending, it does occur to me that both the HIPs and Rome were not built or established in a day.
Spicerhaart, a large chain of Estate Agents have published evidence that there is widespread abuse of the HIP legislation, in that in 48 % of cases only was a HIP available and completed.
The Association of HIP Pack Providers (AHIPP) have countered by stating that the research was misleading. In their research a 95% of sales had a compliant HIP, and that they were working with Trading Standards Officers to correct the other 5% of cases.
Grant Schapps, the Conservative shadow housing minister, argues that because the regulations are being evaded, that it shows how Home Information Packs are deeply flawed. With logic like that, we can presumably look forward to the abolition of speed limits for the very same reason.
Our own research favours an extension of HIPs to a more complete and meaningful “Exchange Ready HIP”, where more important documents such as a draft Contract and copies of title documents and Planning Permissions are included. These are being trialled in parts of the country and we predict a more welcoming approach to HIPs. In time the length of time between agreeing a sale on your property and exchange will be significantly reduced, even where a chain exists.
84cbpzwjgt
