Home information Packs (HIPs) contain important information about the property being sold. The pack must contain the following information

1.    An Index (list of Contents)
2.    Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
3.    A Sale Statement (Summarising terms of sale)
4.    Evidence of Title.
5.    Standard Searches (Local Authority and Water)
6.    Common-hold information (if applicable)
7.    Leasehold information (if applicable)

This information, with the exception of the Energy Performance Certificate, has previously been required before the sale of as property.

Hips were introduced to provide the information at the outset to speed up the selling process and eliminate any nasty surprises that may delay the sale. It is a requirement of European legislation to reduce carbon emissions.