I read with interest the article on HIPs and cannot help but feel that there are some in our profession whose views are shaped by market forces, such as being dependent on referral fee arrangements with estate agents.


HIPs have now been in existence for some time and I would expect all solicitors who engage in conveyancing to be up to speed by now. Unfortunately, I believe most are not. The prospect of first-day marketing should hold no fears for anyone who can produce high-quality packs quickly. At present, most of the packs I have seen, whether from other solicitors or so-called specialist HIP providers, have generally been poor.   



The quality of the packs has not really mattered thus far because they need only be commissioned before marketing can commence.  This has left the market wide open to estate agents to recommend providers based not necessarily on quality but often on what is in it for them.  



The end of first-day marketing will place far greater emphasis on the quality and usefulness of the pack. This is where good and reputable solicitors can make inroads into the market. The appeal of the poorer providers will diminish because their product will become more transparent to both estate agents and the public. A freehold HIP can be produced in five working days - leasehold often either as quickly or nearly as quickly. The pack will actually start to matter and this can only be good for the public because they will be paying for better packs which may assist the moving process rather than just being a paper exercise.   



In reality, will most people be so worried by waiting a week or so before marketing? I think not. There are still issues to be resolved, but like it or not HIPs are here to stay and we might as well make the best of it. 



Warren Robertson, Howlett Clark, Hove