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Next stage for Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates announced

The government has today announced that Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be rolled out to three bedroom properties from 10 September 2007.

HIPs and EPCs are being introduced on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition in the housing market, and to begin the process of transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment at the earliest opportunity. Following the introduction of the packs for homes with four bedrooms and above on 1 August 2007, the Government has today confirmed there will be enough energy assessors, nationally and regionally, to roll out to three bedroom homes next month, having taken into account the operation of HIPs in the market.

HIPs and EPCs will give house buyers energy ratings for homes for the first time, from A to G - similar to consumer friendly ratings for fridges. The Government's intention is to help to lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions. The packs also aim to help to cut costs for consumers by increasing transparency and competition in the home buying and selling process.

Communities Minister, Baroness Andrews, said:

“We are now ready to start rolling out HIPs and EPCs to the next part of the market as promised, and improve a home buying and selling process which currently is not working for consumers or the environment. HIPs and EPCs can help families to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills, and cut a million tonnes of carbon a year. They also have the potential to reduce the millions of pounds wasted by consumers when buying and selling a home, by increasing transparency and competition in a process that hasn’t changed for a generation."

A further announcement on rolling out HIPs and EPCs to other properties will be made in due course.

For further information, contact David Walton, Head of Conveyancing at Frettens Solicitors in Christchurch.

Frettens produced their first HIP in 2 working days, within the first 10 days of the scheme - READ MORE

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