The Energy Performance Certificate & Home Information Pack


An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a compulsory part of the Home Information Pack (HIP).

The Home Information Pack is a set of documents providing important information about a property such as energy efficiency, planning permissions and boundary ownership.

As a seller the pack enables potential buyers to make informed decisions about buying your home and reduce the risk of unexpected information arising during the selling process and delaying the sale.

As a buyer the HIP provides important information about the property you are buying so an informed decision can be made.

The Home Information Pack Regulations 2006 set out provisions on the compulsory and optional content of the pack.

Here is a brief overview of the compulsory documents to be included in a Home Information Pack:

  • Home Information Pack Index-a list of documents contained in the pack. It provides a checklist for sellers, buyers and estate agents.
  • Energy Performance Certificate- a certificate indicating how energy efficient the property is and its impact on the environment.
  • Sales Statement-provides basic information about the property such as  the address, tenure and property registration.
  • Standard Searches including:
        • the local land charges register relating to the property being sold
        • other records held by the local authority such as planning decisions and road building proposals
        • the provision of drainage and water services to the property
  • Evidence of Title-These documents proves that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it.
  • Documents required for leasehold and commonhold sales.

Here is a brief overview of the optional documents that can be included in the HIP should the seller wish to include them:

  • Home Condition Report-contains information about the physical condition of the house
  • Legal summary-summary content of legal documents within the HIP
  • Home use/Home contents forms-information relating to property including boundaries, services, planning permissions, notices and other matters of interest to potential buyers.
  • Other documents- non-standard searches and other searches covering rights of way, ground stability, environmental hazards (flooding and contaminated land), guarantees and warrantees.