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AHIPP comments on Which? findings in respect of Home Information Packs |
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Posted:
20th March 2008 |
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The Which? article which was released today, appears to draw from information gathered from a very small sample of 23 estate agents. This raises the questions as to whether the findings are truly representative of what is going on in the market place.
Mike Ockenden, Director General of AHIPP, said “It is still very early days for the roll out of HIPs and it is quite clear that estate agents are not yet showing packs to the sellers who pay for them or buyers who are looking at properties. The findings...
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AHIPP Responds to Area Trials Results |
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Posted:
6th March 2008 |
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The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has welcomed today’s statement by Housing Minister, Caroline Flint.
The publication of the results of the Government’s area trials clearly show that consumers believe the new home buying and selling process is much improved with 72% of consumers being fairly or very satisfied with Home Information Packs (HIPs).
The results evidence a 10% reduction in the time taken to reach exchange of contracts reducing the stress incurred during this...
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AHIPP comments on the Communities and Local Government Annual Report released today |
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Posted:
3rd January 2008 |
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Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on the Communities and Local Government Annual Report released today:
“The CLG Select Committee report issued today clearly supports the message that AHIPP consistently emphasised over the latter months of 2007- that the roll out of HIPs could have happened far quicker than actually occurred. We cannot change the past, however and with HIPs clearly not having the detrimental impact on the market...
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AHIPP WELCOMES FINAL ROLLOUT OF HIPS |
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Posted:
22nd November 2007 |
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AHIPP WELCOMES FINAL ROLLOUT OF HIPS
YVETTE COOPER ANNOUNCES FINAL COMMENCEMENT ORDER FOR ONE AND TWO BEDROOM HOMES
Today, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper has announced that the phased implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs) will be extended to one and two bedroom properties. The Commencement Order will mean that all properties of one and two bedroom homes will now require a HIP if they are put on the market on or after 14th December 2007.
Today’s news has been strongly welcomed...
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Delay to 'First Day Marketing' Deemed Necessary |
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Posted:
16th November 2007 |
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Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on the speculation surrounding ‘First Day Marketing’ of Home Information Packs (HIPs):
“I remain confident that we will see Home Information Packs (HIPs) extended to one and two bedroom homes by the end of the year.
“If the Government were to extend ‘First Day Marketing’ past 1st January 2008, for a limited period, this would seem a sensible approach, whilst the fully rolled out system...
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AHIPP comments on the warning from RICS |
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Posted:
13th November 2007 |
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“The latest HIP allegations from RICS appear to have disregarded the many benefits that the packs will offer first time buyers – the most vulnerable of buying groups. With more information upfront and the costs incurred in gathering and providing information such as searches transferred to the seller, first time buyers will find their first step onto the housing ladder a more affordable and more informed one.
“What RICS appear to have forgotten is that first time buyers stand to benefit the...
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AHIPP REFUTES LATEST HIP SURVEY AS HYPE |
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Posted:
8th November 2007 |
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In response to the latest NAEA survey on Home Information Packs (HIPs), which suggests that HIPs have had an adverse impact on the market, AHIPP is calling on the industry to demand facts not fiction.
Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) commented: “It is not surprising that the NAEA’s latest survey has highlighted, yet again, that agents want HIPs to be abandoned. The NAEA has made its negative position on packs very clear and as...
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AHIPP comments on Spicerhaart's research that only 10% of buyers read HIPs |
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Posted:
30th October 2007 |
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Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on Spicerhaart's research that only 10% of buyers read HIPs:
"As far as AHIPP is concerned, it is too early to make any firm conclusions about the way consumers use HIPs as we are only half way through the rollout of HIPs into the market since August 1st.
"Consumers are not, not reading HIPs out of choice - they are simply not being advised that a HIP is available in a large...
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AHIPP comments on CLG’s latest communication regarding Home Information Packs (HIPs) |
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Posted:
25th October 2007 |
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Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on CLG’s latest communication regarding Home Information Packs (HIPs): “I welcome the recent communication issued by CLG to agents as an interim update of stakeholder opinion and a call to agents to share the benefits of HIPs with their customers. However, I do not interpret the communication to be a formal analysis of the impact of HIPs on the housing market and those who have drawn such conclusions...
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CHARITY DINNER RAISES £14,000 |
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Posted:
23rd October 2007 |
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CHARITY DINNER RAISES £14,000
Members of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) gathered last Tuesday night at what has become their annual gala dinner to raise money for charity.
The charity dinner raised a considerable sum for the Acorn Children’s Hospices’ and the Oldham Mountain Rescue Group. This provided an opportunity for all members to unite, review how HIPs have to-date impacted on the housing market and to recognise the industry’s significant achievements...
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AHIPP comments on Energy Saving Week which starts today |
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Posted:
22nd October 2007 |
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Mike Ockenden, Director General of Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on Energy Saving Week which starts today:
“This week’s focus on saving energy and climate change is very timely with our own awareness campaign on the importance of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as part of the Home Information Pack (HIP).
“Currently 27% of all carbon emissions come from our homes and we have an obligation to reduce this. The EPC will help to significantly...
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AHIPP comments on Conservative claims of “burying” research about Home Information Packs (HIPs) |
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Posted:
22nd October 2007 |
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Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on Conservative claims of “burying” research about Home Information Packs (HIPs):
“The Conservatives are purely speculating that the information from last year’s trials is negative. Whilst I can confirm that we have not received the results, anecdotal evidence suggests to us that the feedback will be broadly positive. This is why it is so frustrating that Government has not completed the rollout...
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MINISTER HECKLED ABOUT HIPS ROLLOUT |
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Posted:
18th October 2007 |
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The full roll out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) is dependant on an assessment of the state of the housing market, confirmed Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for housing and planning, at Tuesday’s Association of Home Information Pack (AHIPP) annual conference. Mr Wright refused to be drawn on when the last commencement order will be laid and what the criteria are for making that decision.
Mike Ockenden, Director General of AHIPP, said: “The Minister’s refusal to indicate...
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Comment on Rightmove’s October House Price Index |
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Posted:
15th October 2007 |
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“The Rightmove data and commentary published today suggests that the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) has had a distorting effect on the housing market. However, the data also suggests that listings of four bedroom properties are already returning to more normal levels, a trend which will no doubt be repeated with three bedroom homes over the next few weeks. In other words, this ‘HIP effect’ on listings is a short lived phenomenon, while the long term impact of HIPs will benefit the...
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Mike Ockenden comments on the Conservative pledge to scrap Home Information Packs (HIPs) |
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Posted:
2nd October 2007 |
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“Abolishing HIPs to make it ‘easier and cheaper’ to buy homes as cited by the party, is the very reason why the packs have been introduced in the first place.
“Currently one in four transactions fail when purchasing a house, costing consumers £1m per day and it seems strange that the Conservatives wish to continue this sorry state of affairs for buyers and sellers. HIPs have been introduced to make the house buying process more transparent and quicker and this will benefit all buyers.
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AHIPP URGES GOVERNMENT TO COMPLETE ROLL OUT OF HIPS FOR REMAINING HOUSING STOCK |
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Posted:
26th September 2007 |
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Since Home Information Packs (HIPs) were implemented for all properties in England and Wales with three bedrooms or more two weeks’ ago, HIPs have been delivered to consumers efficiently and professionally by the new HIP provider industry.
Now the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) urges the Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper, to lay down the commencement order to extend the rollout to all remaining properties.
Mike Ockenden, Director General of AHIPP, said: “I call upon...
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PAUL BROADHEAD RESPONDS TO COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT GREEN FINDINGS |
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Posted:
11th September 2007 |
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“Today’s Government report is testament to the energy efficiency improvements that could be made to the UK’s housing stock, as a result of the EPC included in HIPs.
“Energy efficiency ratings within the EPC range from A (the most energy efficient home) to G (the least energy efficient home). The fact that the average four bedroom home is currently recording an E rating demonstrates how energy inefficient our current housing stock actually is.
“The EPC will prove invaluable in raising consumer...
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AHIPP WELCOMES ROLL OUT OF HIPS FOR THREE BEDROOM HOMES |
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Posted:
7th September 2007 |
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The phased implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs) has been extended to all properties in England and Wales with three bedrooms or more and will apply to over 60% of the housing stock from the 10th September. The Commencement Order, laid down by Government on 17th August 2007, dictates that all properties with three bedrooms or more will soon require a HIP if they are put on the market.
The extended rollout to three bedroom homes has been welcomed by the Association of Home Information...
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MAJOR CONVEYANCERS CONFIRM THEY WILL RELY ON CONTENTS OF HIPS |
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Posted:
3rd September 2007 |
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Following recent controversy about the contents in Home Information Packs (HIPs) and in particular the use of personal searches, the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) contacted its conveyancing members to clarify whether they would be happy to rely on the contents of HIPs.
The response has been unanimous to date that all conveyancing members will rely on HIP contents, provided that the pack has been produced by a provider that subscribes to and complies with the HIP code....
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LATEST HIP ACCUSATIONS MUDDLED AND MISLEADING |
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Posted:
22nd August 2007 |
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Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) responds to suggestions today that some mortgage lenders will not accept personal searches included in Home Information Packs (HIPs):
“Consumers should not be concerned by today’s reporting, which has been muddled and misleading. While it is clear that HSBC will not accept personal searches, this is nothing new and has always been their policy. “
However, it is important to note, that nine out...
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HIPS COMPLETED IN 48 HOURS |
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Posted:
6th August 2007 |
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Pack providers have defied the critics, turning around real-time orders for Home Information Packs (HIPs) in under 48 hours.
Since the launch of HIPs on 1st August, AHIPP members have achieved impressive turn around times, reporting a number of completed HIPs, which have already been processed and delivered to their owners.
Leading the way is pack provider Richards Gray, through estate agents Savills who provided a pack for a property in Long Marston, near Stratford upon Avon...
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HIPS GO LIVE TODAY AS AHIPP DISMISSES SCAREMONGERING MYTHS |
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Posted:
1st August 2007 |
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As of today, properties with four bedrooms or more will require a Home Information Pack (HIP) when they are put up for sale.
The pack will bring a lot of the information previously gathered throughout a purchase to the front of the process, such as standard searches, sales statements, and evidence of title. In addition, a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be included in the pack which will rate a home’s energy efficiency and make suggestions for reducing carbon emissions...
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HIP CODE PUTS PAID TO LOOPHOLE RUMOURS |
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Posted:
27th July 2007 |
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The HIP Code, which was first launched by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) in 2006, has put paid to rumours of so called ‘loopholes’ in the current Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations.
The Code explicitly states that subscribers must not delay, nor accept instructions to delay, the provision of a HIP or any item required for inclusion in the pack. Those adhering to the Code will have an intrinsic responsibility to ensure that the provision of a HIP is...
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AHIPP RESPONDS TO VOTE ON HIPS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS |
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Posted:
19th July 2007 |
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Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on yesterday’s vote on HIPs in the House of Lords:
“While yesterday’s vote in the Lords, which went against the latest Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations was not fatal and will not hinder the Government’s resolve to introduce HIPs as planned on 1st August, it is disappointing that the Tories have once again made a political football out of packs.
“On the same day as the Lord’s...
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ONE MORE ENERGY ASSESSOR FOR HIPS ON THREE BEDROOM PROPERTIES |
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Posted:
18th July 2007 |
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Latest figures have revealed that just one more energy assessor is needed for the Government to meet its target to make Home Information Packs (HIPs) a reality for properties with three bedrooms or more.
According to the most recent figures, divulged today, there are now 1,321 fully accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) and 678 fully registered Home Inspectors, ready to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) required in HIPs, taking the current total up to 1,999.
This...
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SURGE IN ACCREDITED DEAS |
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Posted:
6th July 2007 |
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Latest figures show that there are now, nearly 1,600 Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) accredited and ready to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for the 1st August:
Current number of accredited DEAs: 1,595
Number of DEAs required for four bedroom, plus homes: achieved
Number of DEAs required for three bedroom plus, homes: 2,000
Number of DEAs required for all housing stock: 3,000
The current figures represent a surge in accreditations, with an additional...
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BROWN SIGNIFIES CONTINUITY FOR HIPS |
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Posted:
28th June 2007 |
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The announcement today that Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning will continue with her role, but taking on a much higher profile and attending cabinet meetings when required, has been heralded as great news for the future of Home Information Packs (HIPs), by the industry.
The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) and its members have declared their delight in Brown’s latest decision, which will see Ms Cooper continue to preside over the introduction...
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ENERGY ASSESSORS COMMIT TO MAKING HIPS LIVE |
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Posted:
26th June 2007 |
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According to new figures released today by Communities and Local Government (CLG), there are currently 1,340 accredited energy assessors now ready to conduct Energy Performance Certificates.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), conducted by a fully trained and accredited energy assessor, will form a vital part of the Home Information Pack (HIP), which will go live on 1st August for properties with four bedrooms or more.
Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General, Association...
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NEW CHAIRMAN FOR HIPS TRADE BODY |
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Posted:
20th June 2007 |
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The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has announced the appointment of new Chairman, Martin Willard, who will be taking over the role from Ian Turner.
Martin, who is Managing Director of MDA Information Products Ltd, will be handed the reins by current Chairman Ian Turner of First Title, who has been with the association since it was founded in 2005.
Martin’s role will be to build upon the strong foundations created by Ian and to provide strategic direction...
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AHIPP RESPONDS TO LATEST RICS HIP ALLEGATION |
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Posted:
14th June 2007 |
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Mike Ockenden, Director General of Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), responds to today’s allegation by RICS of a so called Government loop-hole in HIPs:
“The allegation made today by RICS, claiming to have found a loop-hole in the latest Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations, which will not require sellers to produce a HIP at the exchange of contracts, is nothing more than the typical anti-HIP propaganda we have learned to expect. Following our own investigations...
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TODAY’S CALL FOR LONDON TO BE MADE EXEMPT FROM HIPS DEEMED RIDICULOUS |
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Posted:
13th June 2007 |
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Today’s call by the NAEA for London to be made exempt from HIPs has been deemed ridiculous by Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Packs Providers (AHIPP):
“The suggestion that there will not be enough energy assessors and home inspectors available to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for residential properties in London from the 1st August is nonsense and nothing more than a feeble attempt to manipulate existing Government figures for personal...
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GOOD NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS |
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Posted:
11th June 2007 |
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Ruth Kelly has offered fresh reassurance for home buyers and sellers that the Government remains committed to the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), starting with four bedroom homes from 1st August.
Today’s news has been welcomed by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), which has been working tirelessly with its members since the announcement on the 22nd May, when the introduction of HIPs was delayed...
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AHIPP ASSERTS ITS DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Posted:
22nd May 2007 |
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The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has announced its utter disappointment in today’s decision by Ruth Kelly to delay Home Information Packs (HIPs) until 1st August:
Mike Ockenden, Director General, AHIPP said: “This latest decision is at the cost of the consumer and the environment. It appears to have been RICS, through their call for a judicial review, which has ultimately derailed this vital house buying and selling reform, so soon before its planned implementation.
“This...
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FIRST TIME BUYERS TO BENEFIT MOST FROM HIPS |
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Posted:
21st May 2007 |
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The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) stands to significantly help first time buyers looking to purchase their first home – saving them time and money when they take their first steps onto the housing ladder.
The first time buyer experience is not always easy. In addition to having to save for a deposit, first time buyers also need additional funds to pay for searches, mortgage valuations or surveys, and to cover the cost of the legal work involved in the transaction,...
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HIPS TO REVOLUTIONISE SURVEYING PROFESSION |
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Posted:
18th May 2007 |
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Home Information Packs (HIPs) will not only improve the current home buying and selling process for all involved but they are set to revolutionise the surveying profession, according to the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP).
While residential chartered surveyors looked to be becoming a scarce breed, with an average age of 58, the number of new trainees, initially attracted by the home inspector and Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) qualifications has the opportunity...
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AHIPP RESPONDS TO HIPS INVESTIGATION |
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Posted:
17th May 2007 |
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Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) comments on the Evening Standard’s recent investigation into Home Information Packs (HIPs):
“Any agent or private seller who continually defies the law is likely to end up with reoccurring fines of £200 which can be repeated at the discretion of Trading Standards officials.
“If agents persist in not providing a HIP for a seller then the case can be referred to the Office of Fair Trading...
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AHIPP RESPONDS TO TODAY'S VOTE IN THE COMMONS |
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Posted:
16th May 2007 |
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Mike Ockenden Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on today’s vote in the Commons:
“Yet again, Government has demonstrated its commitment to reducing the carbon emissions of our housing stock and to improving the house buying and selling process for consumers across England and Wales, through the implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs).
“Industry is ready to deliver HIPs and the benefits that the packs will offer to both consumers...
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AHIPP REASSURES CONSUMERS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND THE INDUSTRY ON THE FUTURE OF HIPS |
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Posted:
15th May 2007 |
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The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has today indicated their disappointment in the latest statement, released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), indicating that they plan to commence judicial review proceedings against the Communities and Local Government department.
In spite of this latest action from RICS, AHIPP has offered its reassurance to consumers that HIPs will still go ahead, as planned on the 1st June this year, and that they will quickly...
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ANY ATTEMPT TO DERAIL PACKS WILL PUT BACK ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR YEARS |
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Posted:
14th May 2007 |
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The future, improved energy efficiency of our homes could be seriously delayed by a vote taking place in the House of Commons this Wednesday, warns the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP).
A Commons debate on the recent Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations, laid down in March, will take place this Wednesday, during which, a vote against the new regulations could be taken. A vote against the regulations at this stage, could impact on the immediate future of Home...
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HIPS TO STRIP OUT WASTED COST AND EFFORT |
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Posted:
11th May 2007 |
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Home Information Packs (HIPs) could significantly reduce wasted costs and duplicated information gathering, saving consumers time and money says the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP).
Under the existing process a number of prospective purchasers could end up paying for the same information on a given property. If an initial sale falls through, other potential buyers pay again for the same information - information that in some cases has in fact resulted in the...
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THE TRUTH ABOUT ENERGY ASSESSORS AND THE COST OF HIPS |
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Posted:
8th May 2007 |
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A survey of 10 leading training and assessment centres* for Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) shows that there will be in excess of 3,500 trained and accredited operatives by June 1st.
Opponents of Home Information Packs have erroneously reported that up to 7,500 energy assessors will be needed for 1st June and that there will be a shortfall of thousands. This figure became redundant on 18th July last year when Home Condition Reports (HCRs) were made voluntary,...
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MOVING HOME COSTS THE UK ECONOMY OVER £500M EVERY YEAR |
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Posted:
3rd May 2007 |
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The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) could considerably reduce the impact of stress, for both the consumer and for the economy, says the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP).
Mike Ockenden Director General, AHIPP said: “The high levels of transaction failure and the extended period of uncertainty between offer and exchange of contracts in the current home buying and selling process is one of the most stressful times that consumers will endure in their...
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