Home Information Packs

What happened to Home Information Packs?

Home Information Packs were introduced under the Housing Act 2004, with mandatory requirements phased in from August 2007. Initially required for properties with four or more bedrooms, the scheme extended to all properties by December 2007. The intended purpose was to speed up property sales by requiring sellers to gather key documents upfront, giving buyers the information they needed before making an offer.

The scheme was scrapped in 2010. Critics argued it added costs for sellers without significantly reducing the number of failed transactions. Some elements of the HIP remain in use today, particularly the Energy Performance Certificate, though others such as the Home Condition Report never became standard practice.

Why property sales still fall through

Industry estimates suggest that around one in four property transactions in England and Wales collapse before contracts are exchanged, though figures vary by source and market conditions. This can happen for various reasons: survey findings, issues with the chain, problems uncovered during searches, or buyers simply changing their minds.

Each failed sale costs time and money. According to Which?, abortive transactions can cost buyers and sellers hundreds or thousands of pounds in legal fees, survey costs and mortgage arrangement fees. The current approach tries to reduce this risk by getting key information to buyers early in the process.

Most of this information is provided at the seller's expense. Typical costs include solicitor fees for preparing the contract pack and the EPC assessment. Buyers will usually pay separately for their own survey and mortgage valuation.

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Documents used in property transactions today

When you buy a property in England or Wales, you will typically receive the following:

  • Property Information Form (TA6): covers boundaries, disputes, planning permissions, guarantees, utilities and other details about the property
  • Fixtures and Fittings Form (TA10): lists what is included in the sale, from light fittings to garden sheds
  • Evidence of title: proof that the seller owns the property and has the right to sell it
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): rates the property's energy efficiency from A to G
  • Standard conveyancing searches: local authority, water and drainage, and environmental searches
  • Leasehold Information Form (TA7): required for leasehold properties, covering service charges, ground rent and lease terms

Your solicitor or conveyancer will review these documents and raise any queries with the seller's legal representative. This process can take several weeks, depending on how quickly questions are answered.

What this means for buyers and sellers

If you are selling a property, your solicitor will ask you to complete the TA6 and TA10 forms. Sellers should aim to provide accurate and thorough responses. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the sale or lead to disputes later.

Sellers must also provide a valid EPC before marketing the property. These last ten years and can be arranged through an accredited assessor. You can check requirements and find assessors through GOV.UK.

If you are buying, do not rely solely on the information provided by the seller. Consider commissioning your own survey, particularly for older properties or those with obvious signs of wear. A survey may reveal issues that affect your offer or your decision to proceed.

The process may feel slower than you expect, but the documents exchanged during conveyancing exist to protect both parties. Understanding them can be valuable for avoiding potential problems after completion.