Sellers' Packs: concern over negative effect on market

Home information packs (HIPs) will become mandatory from 1 June 2007, the government announced this week in a compromise that delays their implementation but not for as long as some stakeholders had wanted.


The government had initially planned to roll out the controversial packs in January next year.


The next step will be the establishment of a certification scheme for the new home inspectors, prior to a dry run of the scheme next summer.


Housing minister Yvette Cooper said: 'We have been working with all parts of industry on the detail and this time-table will give them time to fully prepare.'


But Kevin Martin, Law Society President, said: 'We are surprised that the government has announced a firm date... before a proper, full dry run is conducted and evaluated.'


He also expressed concern that the launch of HIPs at the busiest time of year may have a negative impact on the housing market.


A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister told the Gazette that the minister had to weigh up the competing considerations of all interested parties, some - such as HIPs providers, home inspectors and consumers - who wanted early implementation, and others - including the Law Society and mortgage lenders - that wanted implementation to be delayed.