Hips proposals welcomed

News Category: Legal

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Changes to the Home Information Packs (Hips) scheme announced by the government yesterday have been welcomed by an industry expert.

Housing minister Margaret Beckett yesterday said that the 28-day period property sellers have to provide a Hip after their home has been put on the market should be scrapped.

Landlords and letting agents could consider property software to help make sure their actions are in line with updates to the legislation.

Ms Beckett called on Hips to be provided as soon as homes are put up for sale.

She recommended that a "basic Hip" must be made available by the homeowner immediately and this would include information related to the property on flood risks, gas and electricity supplies, structural damage, service charges and car parking.

Louise Hanson from the Which? consumers' association later told the BBC that she welcomed the new proposals on Hips.

"The changes announced today are welcome but there is still so much work to do to improve the home buying and selling process and to raise standards," she said.

How to stay legally compliant with letting agency software.