Further information
Situations where
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Do I Need A HIP or EPC?
The background
Since 2007, sellers have been required to provide Home Information Packs (HIPs) when selling their residential properties. The contents of HIPs included property information, searches and energy performance certificates (EPCs).
HIPs are suspended
The coalition government has suspended Home Information Packs (HIPs) with effect from 21 May 2010. However, energy performance certificates (EPCs) will still be required.
What is an EPC?
This is a certificate which will rate on a scale of A-G:
- How energy-efficient the property is, and
- The impact the property has on the environment.
The most efficient property with the lowest running costs will come into band A. Recommendations are included in the certificate about ways to improve energy-efficiency, to save costs and environmental impact. Your estate agent is obliged to include these two ratings in the property’s sales particulars.
Who will obtain the EPC?
The duty is still on the seller to obtain this.
When must the EPC be obtained?
There is a new duty on the seller to have ‘commissioned’ an EPC before marketing the property. Previously the seller could not market the property unless a full EPC was available. The purpose of this change is to speed up transactions.
What is the penalty for not providing an EPC – who will enforce it?
There is a fixed penalty of £200. Enforcement of these requirements is the responsibility of Trading Standards Officers. There are also penalties for not complying with the duty to commission an EPC before putting the property on the market.
If it is a private sale, is an EPC still required?
Yes, an EPC must still be provided to the buyer before contracts are exchanged. An EPC needs to be produced before we can complete on the purchase of your property.
Can the EPC received in the HIP be reused when the home is sold again ?
Yes . Following the suspension of HIPs, all EPCs will be valid for 10 years.
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