If you wish to sell your property in England and Wales, you are legally required to have commissioned a HIP before you can market your property.

The HIP includes important information about the property and an Energy Performance Certificate which provides a rating of the property's energy efficiency.

The HIP will include the following documents:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
• Sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
• Sale statement
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
• Plus, for leasehold properties, a copy of the lease

Further information about HIPs can be found at: www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

The vast majority of properties for sale in Scotland require a Home Report in place when the property is being marketed. It includes important information about the property and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which provides a rating of the property's energy efficiency. The Home Report should help to improve the home buying and selling process by making available up front information relevant to the property.

The Home Report will include the following documents:

Single Survey

This gives sellers detailed information about the condition and value of a home before it is marketed for sale.

Energy Report

This gives a homes energy efficiency rating and its environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions.

Property Questionnaire

This contains information for home buyers, solicitors and surveyors, for example a home's council tax band or local authority notices relating to it.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An EPC tell details a property’s home’s energy efficiency, using A to G ratings like those used on appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators.

The certificate will also specifically show, for each individual property, various improvements that could be made to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions, the costs of doing this and how quickly these will be recouped through reduced spending on energy.

An EPC is prepared by a Domestic Energy Assessor or a Home Inspector, all of whom have been trained and are licensed via a Government Certification Scheme.