HIPs -

Ask yourself these simple questions to find out -

Is the property used or intended to be used as a residence?

Is the property in England and Wales?

Is the property to be sold without any tenant of the whole property?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, you do not need a HIP

If you answered YES to all of these questions move on to the next section

Was your property put on the market before the relevant commencement date; actively marketed in the run up to the relevant commencement date and intended to be sold before the relevant commencement date?

The relevant commencement dates are

1 August 2007 for four or more bedrooms;

10 September 2007 for three or more bedrooms; and

14 December 2007 fro all other residential properties.

If you answered YES to ALL of these questions you do not need a HIP

If you answered NO to any of these questions go to the next section

Are you selling -

 non-residential property that is, and will continue after sale to be, used for non-residential purposes?

 land ancillary to a dwelling house?

 a holiday home that you are not allowed to live in all year round?

 a property that has a mixture of business and residential use that you are selling as one unit such as a shop with a flat over it?

 a property that has can be used for business and residential such as a live/work unit?

 a number of properties that you are selling as one lot?

 a property that is unoccupied and unsafe for occupation?

 a property that is for demolition and redevelopment of the resulting site and has the appropriate planning consent for such demolition and redevelopment

If you answered YES to ANY of these questions you might not need a HIP but conditions are attached to these exceptions so you need to take advice before committing yourself.

If you answered NO to ALL of these questions you will need a HIP to market your home but the need for a HIP should not delay the start of marketing provided that you request the preparation of the HIP before your agent starts the marketing.

To be on the safe side, take advice sooner rather than later.