Your recent editorial said that 80% of high street law firms were mystified by home information packs (HIPs), but then went on to reinforce a myth that somehow HIPs might de-lawyer the process or keep solicitors out of the conveyancing game (see [2006] Gazette, 9 March, 14). Nothing could be further from the truth.


The HIP is not the conveyancing process, but an upfront assembly of legal documents and a home condition report, which have been validated as accurate and authentic. A lawyer is still needed to conclude the conveyancing as preparation of a HIP removes five out of 18 conveyancing tasks on a sale, and three out of 20 on a purchase.


Moreover, not all HIP providers are trying to control the subsequent conveyancing - we encourage our corporate and independent estate agency customers to maintain their tried and trusted existing conveyancing relationships.


HIPs will make the home-buying and selling process more transparent and certain, and will provide information upfront to enable consumers to make informed decisions. Have a look at a sample home condition report, and reflect how helpful that would be to a potential buyer.


Roger Wilson, solicitor and business services director, Rightmove - Home Information Pack Services, Milton Keynes