This site provides information about home packs for people buying and selling houses. It helps create a home pack (HIP) or provide the information to a third party. It also includes information about energy assessment and the resulting energy performance certificate (EPC) .
Local Authorities provide a vast amount of information which may effect a property ie planning consents,listed building and conservation areas. This information should be revealed in "Searches" which are part of the home pack.
Searches are intended to help protect purchasers by making them aware of any plans that may affect the property. They are an important part of the home pack
The Local Authority searches detail plans that affect the property i.e. planning applications, new/changes to roads, building developments, alterations to land use, public rights of way and planning restrictions.
The local Water company’s search details the provision of drainage and water services to the property.
The usual ways of obtaining the searches are:
The search generally takes 3 weeks but they can be quicker if you are prepared to pay for a personal service.
Don’t forget searches need to be updated, to reflect recent plans, if the home buying process takes too long.
To find a solictor to help with home packs or buying/selling a house please use our search links on the right
For information on the different areas involved in creating home packs (HIPs) please use the menu bar above.