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After the controversial announcement, a delayed release and a lot of debate, HIPs are here. But do you know what they're all about? If you don't know, now's the time to find out as they are now compulsory on all homes...

What are HIPs?

HIP stands for Home Information Pack and from the 14th Dec, all homes in England and Wales will require one along with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in order to sell a property.

EPCs and HIPs can be up to 12 months old when a property is put up for sale. Information will be available to the seller on any pack older than this.

HIPs can be complied by estate agents, solicitors, separate pack providers (as long as they are assigned to the HIP Code) or do it themselves of which information can be sought.

The packs do come at an expense. They can cost around £400 but how much you pay is dependant on who you commission to carry out the assessment.
If you are buying a home, a HIP will be available to you free of charge.

"Given the serious threat from climate change, it would not have been acceptable for energy certificates to be subject to long legal delays and uncertainty." - Housing Minister Yvette Cooper

Why the delay?

For the original date of June 1st to be implemented, the amount of energy assessors (people who check the energy efficiency rating) would have needed to be at the 2,000 mark. As of June 1st 2007, only 520 were qualified to carry out the assessment.

As the system is being phased in throughout the year, the programme will ensure the numbers of assessors matches the demand.

Why do we need them?

The introduction of HIPs is the Government's way of tackling the effects of climate change. The hope is that they will help reduce energy bills and will cut carbon emissions by nearly a million tonnes each year.

Larger homes have been distinguished as being more responsible for emitting unnecessary energy which is why these properties were initially targeted.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said:
"Energy ratings for homes will help cut carbon emissions and family fuel bills. Given the serious threat from climate change, it would not have been acceptable for energy certificates to be subject to long legal delays and uncertainty."

For more information on HIPs visit the official website.