Subjects:

Conveyancing

Contents:

Introduction

1. New concepts and definitions

2. Transitional period, excluded property, new homes

3. Contents of the Home Information Pack

4. The Home Condition Report

5. The Responsible Person

6. Key players

7. Preparing the Home Information Pack

8. Enforcement

9. Remedies

10. Complaints and redress

11. The dry run

12. The future

Appendices:

A. Housing Act 2004 Part 5 and Schedule 8

B. Home Information Pack 2006 Regulations (S.I. 2006/1503)

C. Summary of related legislation

D. Ministerial Statement 18 July 2006

Sample HCR and EPC

E. Estate agents checklists

F. Sellers checklists

G. Buyers checklists

H. Solicitors checklists

Websites

Sources.

The government is committed to making the provision of Home Information Packs a compulsory part of the conveyancing process from 2007. This book is designed for solicitors and property professionals who need to understand the legal issues and practical implications so that they can prepare their practices and remain competitive in a changing marketplace.

It provides an authoritative commentary to Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004 and the subsidiary regulations which contain the detail of Home Information Packs, and gives an informed and clear analysis of the:-

• content of Home Information Packs
  
• collation and accuracy of information for the Packs
  
• enforcement and sanctions
  
• possible solutions for breaches
  
• proposals for a 'dry run' and transitional provisions.

The implications of Home Information Packs and the necessary changes required to current practice will be considered from the different perspectives of the parties involved - the buyers, sellers, conveyancers, surveyors, and estate agents.

The author's close involvement with the development of HIPS by the government and his role assisting the Law Society with the preparation of standard documents and procedures places him in an deal position to offer readers an essential and insightful guide to the new law.