News
Property Prices... are they safe? - 29th July 2010
Is the UK housing market in for a fall? Check out Money Week's thoughts on the current market and the question on everyone's mind..."Has the housing market rally ended?"
HIPs to be scrapped - 20th May 2010
The government has suspended the use of Home Information Packs (HIPs) with immediate effect from 21 May 2010. Homes sold on or after this date will no longer need a HIP pack.
Read more: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_187874
Google set to offer property dimension to UK mapping - 3rd December 2009
The new service will allow both estate agents and private sellers to put their property as an overlay on Google Maps. The plans were outlined at a conference called Estate Agency Events last week, although Google has declined to give official confirmation. The new service is expected to launch next year and would be similar to a service Google launched in Australia.
Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8394252.stm
Changes to HIP's - 6th April 2009
The controversial Home Information Pack (Hip) is subject to changes from today. The packs, which have been branded “a waste of time” by critics, now have to be put in place before a property is put up for sale. In the past, vendors could just order a Hip before a for-sale board was put up but sellers are now required to put in extra details in a new questionnaire. The new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) includes pre-sale information such as the home’s council tax band, parking arrangements, utilities and any structural alterations would be vital for buyers as they consider whether to make an offer. The new changes mean that property owners will have to wait at least three to five days to obtain the required information needed for a pack. If a property is put on the market without a Hip and PIQ, estate agents or vendors could face a fine of £200.
Update on HIP's - 14th September 2008
The Government has now announced that with effect from October, the validity of energy performance certificates, a key part of the packs, will be extended from one to three years.
Govt introducing HIP's - 8th May 2008
The Government announced they are extending the transitional arrangements introduced last year which enabled properties to be marketed once the HIP has been commissioned. As a result, until 31st December 2008, you do not need to have received your HIP before you put your property on the market.
