Self-compiling explained

As a seller, you can compile your own Pack as long as you get all the required documents from the appropriate sources. Some are compulsory and others are optional, although it's possible that some of the optional documents will be requested by the buyer's conveyancer later in the process - so it might save time to get them now. Guidance on how to get the different documents is provided below.

Self-compiling: compulsory documents

1) An Index is a list of the Pack's contents. An Index form can be downloaded from our Publications page.

2) Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
An Energy Performance Certificate can be obtained by instructing a registered Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Note that all Home Inspectors are certified as Domestic Energy Assessors as well.

2) A sale statement summarizes the terms of sale. A sale statement is also available on our Publications page.

3) If your home is registered, evidence of title is provided by the official copies of the register and title plan, which can be obtained from the appropriate Land Registry office. A fee is payable, and such copies are acceptable as evidence in the courts. Alternatively, plain copies can be found at the Land Registry.

If your home isn't registered, you'll need to supply an official result of a search of the index map (SIM) confirming this. This can be obtained from the appropriate Land Registry office. The result should be accompanied by whatever documents you are relying on to show that you have title to the property - and therefore the right to sell it. For more information, visit the Land Registry website.

4) A  Local search can be requested from the Local Land Charges department of the Local Authority that your property is in. Alternatively, you can use a channel of the National Land Information Service (NLIS) or a personal search company. Details of these companies will be in your local business listings.

5) A drainage and water search can be requested from your water supplier. Again, you can use a channel of the National Land Information Service or a personal search company. Details of these companies can be found in your local business listings.

Self-compiling: leasehold/Commonhold

If your property is leasehold, you need to include a copy of the lease and any proposed changes to the lease.

Leasehold documents should have been provided to you by the landlord or manager of your building. If you've lost or mislaid any of them, you should be able to get copies from the landlord or manager - although you'll probably have to pay a fee. If the property is registered, information on how to obtain an official, court-admissible copy of the lease (along with the associated fee) will be available from the Land Registry. Plain copies of the lease may also be available.

The Lease is the only required document for a HIP but sellers should include other leasehold documents whenever available and the following are authorized for inclusion in Home Information Packs:

• Any regulations or rules that apply to the property that aren't mentioned in the lease and any proposed amendments to same
• Statements or summaries of service charges covering the previous 36 months
• Where appropriate, the most recent requests for payment of service charges, ground rent, insurance against damage for the building in which the property is situated, and insurance in respect of personal injury caused by or within the building during the 12-month period before marketing began
• The name and address of the current or proposed lessor, and details of any managing agent that has been appointed or proposed by the lessor to manage the property
• A summary of any works being undertaken or proposed that will affect the property or the building in which it's situated.

If your property is commonhold, you need to include the following information:

• Official copies of the individual register and title plan relating to the common parts and the commonhold community statement referred to in the register. These can be obtained from the appropriate Land Registry office. A fee is payable, and such copies are acceptable as evidence in the courts. These copies, together with information about the fees, can be obtained from The Land Registry 
• Apart from those described in the commonhold community statement, any regulations made for the purpose of managing the commonhold and any proposed changes to them
• Most recent requests for financial contributions in respect of the property
• Details of the managing agent and any other person responsible for managing the commonhold
• Details of any proposed works to the property or the common parts.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)  ©Crown Copyright

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Home Information Pack kits are available from Lawpack price £10.49

Guidance manual contents:

• »  Background on HIPs and why they were introduced
• »  Who is involved in HIP production and what their roles are
• »  How to project manage and put together your own HIP
• »  How long HIPs are valid for
• »  HIP contents: what has to go in and what's optional
• »  Local authority searches
• »  Energy Performance Certificates and Home Condition Reports

Loose-leaf forms included:

• »  HIP Index
• »  HIP Checklist 
• »  Home Contents Form
• »  Home Use Form

• »  Sale Statement                                                                                                        

Free CD contents:

• »  Template HIP documents: Index, Sale Statement, Home Use Form, Home Content Form, plus Project Checklist
• »  Web links to Domestic Energy Assessors, Regulatory and Professional Bodies, HIP Providers, Search Providers and Trade Associations

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