Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

House of Lords questions Hips

Tuesday, 1 May 2007 12:00 AM

On the day a survey revealed the general public was largely ignorant about the new home information packs (full story), the House of Lords has also voiced its concerns.

A report by the House of Lords Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee, which comes with one month to go until Hips become compulsory, states the packs have drawn "special attention" as they may "imperfectly achieve" what they set out to do.

"The comments on these proposals which we have received from interested parties show at best scepticism, and at worst hostility," the report says.

"The government have not been able to convince the principal stakeholders in the housing market that their proposals as they now stand are sensible or worthwhile, or are likely to be effective for their declared purposes; and they need to do more if the market is to respond positively to this intervention."

The National Association of Estate Agents, one of the strongest campaigners for Hips to be reviewed, said: "It is clear that the committee has serious concerns about the proposals and we would encourage the government to take this on board."

However, the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) said the House of Lords report did not represent "a balanced and fair review" as "a number of industry players including Ahipp, Copso (Council of Property Search Organisations) and key environmental groups" had not been consulted.

Mike Ockenden, Ahipp director general, said: "Hips trials have taken place across the UK over many months and they have provided evidence of improved efficiency in the market as a result . . . transaction failures fell eight per cent and the time between offer exchange was cut by an average of 11 days, as a result of Hips."

He added: "If there was one element of the recent report that I would support, it is the importance of the Home Condition Report (HCR) and we will continue to lobby government for a route map to re-instating the HCR as a mandatory element of the pack within a given timeframe."

Related stories

House of Lords requests Hips review

House of Lords requests Hips review

House of Lords requests Hips review

 Kate Barker spoke also positively about the draft national planning policy framework. Image:Thinkstock

Expert questions government housing policy

The author of a landmark 2004 housing review has accused successive governments of not building enough homes, during a speech to the British Property Federation (BPF).
Apprentice house, Christchurch Road, East Sheen

Location and value of Apprentice house revealed

Find out the address, property details and previous selling prices of the house where this year's Apprentice candidates are living.

 House prices in market towns have risen by £1,000 a month on average over the last decade, say Lloyds TSB. Image: Thinkstock

Market towns enjoy £1,000 a month house price rise

Over the last decade house prices in market towns have risen by £1,000 a month on average say Lloyds TSB.
House prices up 0.1 per cent in September, says Nationwide. Image: Thinkstock

House prices mark time in September

Nationwide says average UK prices little changed on a year ago and a month ago.

 Scrapping of Hips welcomed

Hips suspension welcomed by lenders

A leading buy-to-let mortgage lender has bid "goodbye and good riddance" to home information packs (Hips).
Price of terraced homes rose £118 a day over the last decade, says Halifax survey. Image: Thinkstock

Terraces see highest house price rise

Price of terraced homes rose £118 a day over the last decade, says Halifax survey.

 Caravan with washing hanging up

Councils to house homeless in boats and caravans

Local authorities will be permitted to house the homeless in houseboats and caravans from 2012.
New consumer sentiment index says expectations of house price growth over next 12 months at highest level for over a year. Image: Thinkstock

House prices fall again but expectations higher

New consumer sentiment index says expectations of house price growth over next 12 months at highest level for over a year.

Houses in Edinburgh

Scottish house prices hit 2007 levels

In the three months to the end of July 2011, the average domestic property value in Scotland fell by 3.7 per cent.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.

FAQs about commercial stamp duty

If you want to relocate to larger premises, you need to know about commercial stamp duty. Different rates apply than with residential property, however, like residential buyers, you could potentially benefit from stamp duty mitigation.

Save space with a small bathroom suite

Most people dream of having spacious bathrooms with a freestanding tub and a separate shower cubicle where you can relax in pure luxury. However, the reality is that bathrooms are rarely as big as we'd like them to be. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a small bathroom.