HIPs now needed for all new build properties

Home Information Packs (HIPs) are now required on all new build homes.

Until now the HIP obligations applied to all sales including new homes but excluded homes built under the most recent building regulations, Regulation 17C of the Building Regulations 2006.

That changed on 6th April when HIP duties were extended to these properties. It means all new homes must now include an Energy Performance Certificate which must be produced by an energy assessor who is accredited for On Construction Energy Assessment.

The EPC must be given to the owner of the property when it is physically complete. Building Control cannot issue a completion certificate until this has been done.

Anyone marketing a home off-plan will need a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) as part of the HIP to show to potential buyers. When the property is complete, the PEA must be replaced with an EPC and a Recommendation Report.

Each home within a development must have its own EPC. However, identical properties can have a cloned report and do not need to be inspected separately.