HIPs suspension

The new Government has been quick off the mark in suspending, with immediate effect, the requirement for a HIP in the home selling process. The requirement to have a HIP was suspended from midnight on 20 May. The obligation to make available a valid Energy Performance Certificate remains as a requirement. However, a seller need only have commissioned an EPC to be prepared before marketing a property rather than actually be in possession of one. Full abolition of HIPs requires repeal of Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004. The Government says that this is a priority for its new legislative programme.