HIPs & EPCs Fact Sheet

HIPs apply to residential properties marketed for sale. The definition of marketing is in section 149 of the Housing Act 2004: www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/ukpga_20040034_en_14

4+ bedroom properties require a HIP if they were put on the market on or after 1st August 2007
3 bedroom properties require a HIP if they were put on the market on or after 10th September 2007
Most other residential properties require a HIP if they were put on the market on or after 14th December 2007, whatever their size
New homes built under the 2006 building regulations (Regulation 17C, Part L, 2006) require a HIP if they were put on the market on or after 6 April 2008.
Any property that was already on the market on the relevant commencement date and that has been continuously marketed since does not need to have a HIP, however from 1st October 2008 it does need an EPC.
From midnight on 5th April 2009 the HIP must be substantially complete before marketing can start (unregistered titles, lease and search documents are allowed to arrive within 28 days).