It is important that a considered response is made to the article by Paul Marsh (see [2005] Gazette, 20 January, 32). Certain points need clarification.


  • The complete home information pack (HIP) will be in five parts: estate agents' details, title information, property information form (together with supporting documents) and possibly a fixtures and fittings form, searches, and the home inspectors report.



  • Very few solicitors and estate agents will want to prepare the HIP. The time and administration involved will be costly and burdensome.



  • HIPs, with surveys, are already in use in some parts of the country.



  • Solicitors should not rush into changing or upgrading their computer software. When they do, they must ensure that it will eventually be compatible with the Land Registry e-conveyancing software.



  • It is likely that some HIPs, including those prepared by the Home Information Pack Action Group (HIPAG), will be supplied on a no sale, no fee basis.



  • There will be many fewer than half a million abortive transactions per year due to the transparency of the HIP. This is a fact, not an assumption - lengthy market research has been carried out to substantiate this.



  • Some estate agents will waive their referral fees if they can obtain a comprehensive HIP quickly and if they are also guaranteed to receive an efficient service from the solicitor acting for the seller.



  • The dry run is just that, not a test or another pilot. HIPs will become compulsory, no matter what.



  • It is likely that there will be between five and ten large HIP providers nationally. Some will be more efficient than others.



    • Mr Marsh says that 'solicitors will have the opportunity to compete - provided they act quickly'. The small-to-medium- sized firms will struggle to compete individually, however, they will if they join forces. That is why HIPAG was set up last year.



    Rob Hailstone, Home Information Pack Action Group