HIPS Working for Home Buyers Looking at Energy

Consumers were satisfied with the Home Information Pack (HIP) and are starting to use energy ratings to make their homes greener, according to early testing of HIPs.

Consumers were satisfied with the Home Information Pack (HIP) and are starting to use energy ratings to make their homes greener, according to early testing of HIPs. Results from research by Ipsos MORI into the HIP area trials reveal that 72 per cent of sellers were satisfied with the HIP, 79 per cent agreed that it contained everything expected, and 81 per cent understood the documents, including their energy rating, from A-G, in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Nearly one third of buyers on examining the HIP planned to carry out recommendations in the EPC to improve the energy efficiency of their home. This would equate to nearly half a million transactions per year in today's housing market where consumers took action as a result of the EPC to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.

The research report highlights that 58 per cent of buyers would have liked the opportunity to see the HIP earlier in the process. However, agents were either not showing the packs or providing them too late to consumers to make a difference, according to the findings. Out of the 40 per cent of buyers who saw the HIP last year in the trials, half viewed it after they made an offer on their property.

The Government has already taken action to raise awareness of HIPs and to remind agents of their responsibility to make sure it is readily available so more people fully benefit from the packs. This includes a public information campaign and specific activity aimed at the industry, including more than 20,000 agents. Consumers can only benefit if they see the pack. We know the appetite is there because nearly 60 per cent of buyers wanted to see their HIP earlier and 32 per cent planned to take action on examining the EPC - it is important agents respond to this.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said: "Consumers are already benefiting from the introduction of HIPs. Search costs are falling as a result of increased transparency in the market, energy ratings can help people to reduce fuel bills, and first time buyers are receiving important information about their home for free.

"I welcome the fact that buyers are starting to act on their energy ratings, which could cut a million tonnes of carbon a year as well as helping families with their fuel costs. "However, what is clear from the trials is that more buyers wanted to see the HIP but it was not always made available to them. That's why we have taken action to increase awareness of the consumers' right to see a HIP and to remind agents of their responsibility to provide the pack."

The Government has responded to emerging findings throughout the research period which tested around 2,600 HIPs, to help develop the packs and to ensure a smooth implementation into the market. This includes decisions to introduce a first day marketing exemption, temporary measures on leasehold information, and work with industry to make sure packs are being made available to consumers.