Trials highlight satisfaction with HIPs and EPCs
Added: Apr 28, 15:39The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) announced in March that consumers are satisfied with the Home Information Pack (HIP) and are starting to use energy ratings to make their homes greener, according to early testing of HIPs.
Results from research by Ipsos MORI into the HIP area trials reveal that 72 per cent of sellers were satisfied with the HIP, 79 per cent agreed that it contained everything expected, and 81 per cent understood the documents, including their energy rating, from A-G, in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Nearly one third of buyers on examining the HIP planned to carry out recommendations in the EPC to improve the energy efficiency of their home. This would equate to nearly half a million transactions per year in today’s housing market where consumers took action as a result of the EPC to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.
The research report highlights that 58 per cent of buyers would have liked the opportunity to see the HIP earlier in the process. However, agents were either not showing the packs or providing them too late to consumers to make a difference, according to the findings. Out of the 40 per cent of buyers who saw the HIP last year in the trials, half viewed it after they made an offer on their property.
The Government has already taken action to raise awareness of HIPs and to remind agents of their responsibility to make sure it is readily available so more people fully benefit from the packs. This includes a public information campaign and specific activity aimed at the industry, including more than 20,000 agents.
Consumers can only benefit if they see the pack. Nearly two thirds of buyers wanted to see their HIP earlier, and 32 per cent planned to take action on examining the EPC.
The mandatory inclusion of a Code for Sustainable Homes rating certificate in the HIP from 1st May 2008 will add significantly to the environmental performance information provided in the pack.