A lack of consumer awareness about Home Information Packs (HIP's) that has been introduced by the government to improve the house buying and selling process, fuelled by an aggressive anti-HIP's campaign, is doing little to help consumers appreciate the benefits of the new initiative, claims leading estate agents.

Recent research supports government findings that there is limited awareness of HIP's. Leading estate agents will conduct research to monitor the awareness of HIP's and submit their findings to the government.

From December 2007 all homeowners in England & Wales need to arrange for a HIP to be prepared before putting their house on the market. The HIP will contain key information including details of searches and a property condition report.

The pack will mean that both seller and buyer will have all the information relevant to the sale and purchase of a property from the outset to bring greater transparency to the process.

Without the full facts, consumers are being led to doubt that HIP's will address dissatisfaction in the house buying and selling process. Nine out of ten consumers are currently  dissatisfied with the present system and yet they are being bombarded with negative views about HIP's that the government has gone to some considerable lengths to create.

HIPS are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority. An additional fee may be payable for this service.

Contact our team on 01580 243293 for more information.