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Hamptons International, one of the UK’s premier international residential agents, and a subsidiary of Emaar properties has today announced that the 6th April revisions to Home Information Packs (HIPs) could help benefit the home buying and selling process.

From the 6th April 2009, three new changes to HIPs will take place; (1) a HIP must be available to buyers as soon as a property is marketed; (2) a new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) must be completed by all sellers; and (3) all searches must be complete, bringing an end to the use of insurance in personal searches.

Despite ongoing controversy over HIPs, Hamptons International believes these new regulations could help the UK market by promoting greater transparency and ensuring consumers are more informed throughout the buying and selling process.  

“In the economic downturn, it is vital that consumers receive the best possible service when buying or selling a home. The biggest change from the 6th April HIP revision is that agents will now have to delay marketing properties until they have received the completed HIP, including PIQ.  Whilst this initial delay in marketing may cause some frustration to begin with, hopefully the extra upfront preparation required will speed up the transaction process”, comments Marc Goldberg, head of residential sales, Hamptons International. 

“In addition, whilst some agents have previously disregarded HIP requirements, these changes should also help to drive increased monitoring of compliance across the industry,” continues Goldberg.   

Hamptons International is running a campaign to help drive awareness and educate consumers on the changes to HIPs.