If you're buying a home, make sure you see the Home Information Pack

Since 14 December 2007 every home put on the market, no matter what size, must have a Home Information Pack. It brings together valuable information at the start of the process - such as a sale statement, local searches and evidence of title - which could save you money, time and stress.

The Pack also includes an Energy Performance Certificate that contains advice on how to cut CO2 emissions and fuel bills.

HIPs provide key information needed by buyers and sellers at the very start of the home-buying process, making transactions more efficient and less likely to fall through between offer and exchange. HIP documents give consumers a clear, up front picture of what they are buying and selling.

Buyers should always:

• ask to see the Pack on a property they are interested in, and check that it's complete.
• check to see if any of the compulsory documents are missing and that there is a satisfactory explanation and an assurance that the missing items will be provided as soon as possible
• find out whether a Home Condition Report was commissioned as part of the Pack
• give a copy of the pack to their solicitor - this could save you time and money

Compulsory items

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack.

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Sale statement
• Standard searches
• Evidence of title
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.

For more information, why not visit the official government site on HIPs at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer/