Home Informations Packs (HIPs), also known as Seller's Packs, now represent a significant portion of the work dealt with by a conveyancing solicitor. As dismissive as people are of HIPs, the reality is they present a legal requirement for sellers to provide a series of up-to-date documents regarding their property to allow a prospective buyer to make a fully informed decision.

Documents that it is compulsory for conveyancing solicitors to include in HIPs are the sale statement, evidence of title, standard searches, Energy Performace Certificate (EPC), Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) and information on the commonhold or lease. There is also information that it is optional for your conveyancing solicitor to contribute including a Home Condition Report (HCR), additional leasehold information, details of guarantees and warranties.

In the local authority search your conveyancing solicitor will cover things like boundaries, planning permission and road proposals. The PIQ, meanwhile, is the latest requirement and is intended to provide other general information such as parking, common areas and damage caused by fire or flood.

In the past, a conveyancing solicitor would have provided most of this information anyway and it is only really the EPC that represents a significant addition provided by the HIP. This document details a property's energy consumption and outlines suggestions for improving it.

A HIP must now be provided as soon as the house goes on the market so, as every when taking legal advice, it is helpful to contact your conveyancing solicitor as early as possible.

NB: None of this information should be construed as legal advice.

Leeds conveyancing solicitor courts

Probate Registry
Coronet House, Queen Street, Leeds, LS1 2BA

Coroners Office & Court
Symons House, Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8DD

Regional Office Of Employment Tribunal
11 Albion Street, Leeds, LS1 5ES

Leeds Beth Din
411 Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 7BY

HM Courts Service in Leeds
HM Courts Service
Colbeck House, Bradford Road, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9NR

West Riding Magistrates Court Service
Colbeck House, Colbeck Row, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9NR

Cafcass
West House, 11 Hanover Street, Batley, WF17 5DZ

Bradford Combined Court Centre
Exchange Square, Drake Street, Bradford, BD1 1JA

Cafcass
PO Box 92, Bradford, BD1 4WR

Bradford Magistrates Court
PO Box 187, Bradford, BD1 1JL

Dewsbury County Court
County Court House, Eightlands Road, Dewsbury, WF13 2PE

Batley & Dewsbury Magistrates Court
Batley Dewsbury Magistrates Court, Grove Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1JP