I fear the view of Rob Hailstone in your article on home information packs that the current shambolic situation presents 'commercial advantages' to solicitors is sadly misplaced (see [2008] Gazette, 14 February, 23). No one is going to be interested in having a more comprehensive HIP prepared by a solicitor for the simple reason that buyers are not reading them.


We have yet to come across a single buyer who has even looked at a HIP, even when their offer for a property has been accepted. Additionally, as was blindingly obvious, estate agents have generally hitched up with the big HIP providers so small and medium-sized solicitor firms such as mine are being squeezed out, even though we can produce our own HIPs.



To add insult to injury, the client then receives a 'special offer' of conveyancing from some large factory firm which has in turn hitched up with the HIP provider.



HIPs save no time, are a totally needless expense for sellers, are completely ignored by buyers and are anti-competitive. When is this arrogant government going to listen and scrap them?



Nick Hutchinson, Nick Hutchinson & Co, Cheltenham