HIPS DELAYED BUT ARNOLDS IS PREPARED

The decision by the Government to defer the introduction of HIPS until 1st August (and then only for 4 bedroom properties or larger) is the second u-turn performed during the process as the Home Condition Reports were excluded from the pack some time ago.

It is however apparent that the Government are committed to overcoming their present embarrassment by quickly widening the introduction of HIPS to all houses (and eventually to commercial properties and rentals) to fulfil their obligations particularly in respect of the Energy Assessments.  It is likely therefore that HIPS will be in place for all residential properties in the fairly near future although, pleasingly, a further concession is that relevant properties can be marketed whilst the HIP is being prepared rather than after it has been completed.
 
This delay will allow sufficient numbers of Energy Assessors to be available to prevent melt down of the housing market and, of course, Arnolds are leading the way in that respect.  By 1st August Arnolds will have two Energy Assessors able to assist in quickly preparing the necessary reports, with a third in training…… so not only will we be able to cope with our own property marketing but will also be able to assist others when required.
 
Of course there is still the possibility that the Government could ditch the whole idea although it is worth noting that, in any event, the Energy Assessments are required under European Legislation, although not necessarily for two or three years yet.
 

David Richardson FRICS
Partner
david.richardson@arnolds.uk.com
June 2007

Back to archive