Website of the UK government

Compulsory documents

The following documents must be included in a HIP:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• sustainability information (required for newly built homes only)
• sale statement
• evidence of title
• standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
• a copy of the lease for leasehold properties
• commonhold documents where appropriate

The Home Information Pack Index

The index lists the documents contained in the HIP and provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities.

If a document that must be included in the HIP is unavailable, the index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and list what steps are being taken to get it.

The index should be updated whenever documents are added or removed.

• Download a sample Home Information Pack Index (PDF, 122K)
• Help with PDF files

Energy Performance Certificate

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property.

It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from 'A' to 'G' (where 'A' is best) and advice on cost effective improvements to improve the current rating.

For new homes sold 'off-plan' the requirement is to include a predicted energy assessment (PEA).

• Energy Performance Certificates and how to get one

Sustainability information for newly built homes

Newly built homes must have:

• a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the sustainability of the home where it complies with the standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes; or
• a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed against the Code

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the environmental impact of a new home against nine categories ranging from CO2 emissions to the amount of waste generated when building and using the home.

For more detailed information on the Code follow the link below.

• Code for Sustainable Homes Opens new window

Sale statement

The sale statement provides some basic information about the property, including:

• the address of the property being sold
• whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
• whether the property is registered or unregistered
• whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession
• in what capacity the seller is selling the property (eg selling on behalf of a deceased owner)
  

• Download a suggested sale statement form (PDF, 77K)
• Help with PDF files

Evidence of title

These documents prove who owns the property.

Registered property

If the property is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the HIP. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:

• official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register)
• an official copy of the title plan
  

In the case of the sale of a commonhold interest, official copies of the register and title plan should be produced for both the unit and common parts.

Unregistered land

For sales of unregistered land, the HIP must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (obtained from the Land Registry), and the documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property and the right to sell it.

More detailed advice on the sort of evidence that is usually considered acceptable is in the procedural guidance to the Home Information Pack Regulations.

• Download the procedural guidance to the Home Information Pack Regulations (PDF, 403K)
• Help with PDF files

To find out more about registered and unregistered land, contact the Land Registry.

• Registering title to land and obtaining details of individual properties
• Land Registry Opens new window

Standard searches

The Home Information Pack must include:

• a search of the local land charges register for the property being sold – this is carried out by a personal search company or local authority and you will receive an official search certificate
• a search of the records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals – these are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack Regulations and carried out by a local authority or personal search company
• details on the provision of drainage and water services to the property – the local water company or a personal search company can be used (however, the search must comply with the HIP Regulations)
  

For more detail on what should be included in the search reports, read the procedural guidance to the Home Information Pack Regulations.

• Download the procedural guidance to the Home Information Pack Regulations (PDF, 403K)
• Help with PDF files

Find a personal search company

If you are compiling a HIP then you can find a personal search company by following the link below.

• Find a personal search company Opens new window

Optional documents

It is up to the seller whether they include optional documents in a HIP, but they can help to speed up the home buying and selling process.

• HIPs: optional items

Leasehold and commonhold properties

Find out about compulsory and optional documents for leasehold and commonhold properties.

• HIPs: leasehold and commonhold properties