The launch date for Home Information Packs for properties with four or more bedrooms is Wednesday 1 August 2007. Home Information Packs will be phased in, in three stages. The first we are all aware of, four bedrooms or more on 1 August, the next stage, is three bed roomed properties and finally all other properties. Implementation dates for the last two stages have not yet been announced.
Along with the Home Information Packs, Energy Performance Certificates will also be introduced on 1 August 2007. Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors are being trained and it is expected that to be fully compliment with the new system, 3,000 assessors will be required. To support the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates, a payment of £100 + VAT will be available to help with the costs of purchasing a voluntary pack.
Our view
There is more to come on energy efficiency for the prospective seller. Not only is the Home Information Pack being phased in, there are also more proposed changes taking place. Currently, an Energy Performance Certificate can be up to twelve months old when a property is put on the market. This will be reviewed as the scheme develops. The arrangement regarding marketing a property once a home information pack has been commissioned will end at the end of 2007.