Accredited Home Information Pack provider Dave Holmes explains the pitfalls.
Following the problematic introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs), criticised for adding unnecessary cost to selling a home, the industry is finally putting its house in order.
A new organisation, the Independent Pack Providers Association (IPPA), has been formed in response to widespread criticism that HIPs are not worth the paper they’re written on.
High street solicitors have discovered errors in packs, particularly those supplied by the large national HIP providers. These national providers have little or no knowledge of the local area or the local agents acting on their behalf.
In light of this sharp practice, IPPA has been warmly welcomed by estate agents, solicitors and consumers. The Association has recently awarded full accreditation to a a select number of HIP providers. Not all the firms that apply are accepted due to the high standards required for membership. One of the first to attain official approval, is Dave Holmes of Holmes Inspections, who has ten years experience of the Chiswick property market. Chiswick Estate agent Oliver Finn has secured the services of Holmes - the only approved IPPA member in West London.
Beware of the large HIP providers with a high profile internet presence warns Holmes: “These ‘corporations’ seem to dominate the market, but are little more than pile ‘em high and sell ‘em cheap operations, complete with remote call centres, and conveyor belt service models.
“These impressive looking website rankings are gained via expensive online marketing, rather than the provision of a speedy, successful HIP service. Homeowners remain unaware of the lack of quality control until their solicitor identifies the omission of key documents or the inclusion of incorrect ones. The net result is the transaction breaks down.”
Regulation and redress
A quick internet search will unearth plenty of cheap pack providers claiming to be HIP compliant but the reality is very different. They are largely unregulated and give no reparation to customers.
“Don’t be fooled by the HIP Code awarded by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPPs). This is a meaningless qualification as virtually anyone can acquire this logo with the minimum of cost and proficiency. It doesn’t guarantee quality,” says Holmes.
“Having the IPPA stamp of approval however, assures consumers that they’re in safe hands, and gives homeowners the confidence that they’re not going to have a problem regarding non-compliant documents. The legal documentation is sorted up front, so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the end when the chain collapses.”
IPPA has a complaints procedure and its members are properly regulated. There is a stiff barrier to membership, which involves auditing packs, procedures and trading practices of prospective members.
“The alternative is that your solicitor alerts you to the fact that your documents are illegal. Meanwhile everyone in the chain is hanging by a thread whilst you re-do your pack - obviously at your own expense,” concludes Holmes.
Find out more about Independent Pack Providers Association (IPPA).
