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Home Information Packs

How long is it valid for?
It’s valid for 12 months from the issue date, but a local search is only valid for three months so it will need to be updated.

What happens if don’t have one?
You can be fined £200 per day for every day the pack is not available.

How much do they cost?
A pack for an average home will cost in the region of £250-350.

Where can I get one?
You can get one from an estate agent, solicitor, specialist pack provider, or compile it yourself.

Will newly built homes need one?
Yes. When a home is not completed and is marketed as off-plan, it will still need a HIP, but because it won’t have a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a Predicted Energy Assessment will be acceptable.

Top Tips

• Think carefully. Extending or adding to your home means understanding your domestic needs and planning how best to fulfil them.

• An extension can completely change the configuration of a home, how you enter a building and where you spend the majority of your time.

• Work should be done by a reputable builder with the correct planning permission and building regulations approval. Otherwise you could be in trouble when the time comes to move house.

• It’s a good idea to seek advice from a chartered building surveyor, who can advise you on the technical and practical aspects of home improvement.

• If you are hoping to turn a profit, then seek advice from a local estate agent about whether your planned work will be worth the investment. Don’t outprice your property for its location.

• Keep the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in proportion to your living space.

• Avoid creating an enormous family house, but losing the family garden in the process. You may have difficulty selling the property if buyers are put off by the lack of outdoor space.

• For further information and advice visit the UK Planning website or Planning Portal, which also allows you to make online planning applications.