The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) welcomes a statement released by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on Home Information Packs (HIPs), which recognises many of the concerns raised by the Association in recent years.
The DCLG consultation document sets out a number of proposed changes to the draft HIPs regulations, including a reduction in the number of documents required before marketing can commence. It agrees that properties which are marketed before 1st June, and which remain on the market, will not need a HIP before 31st March 2008. In addition, properties that are withdrawn from the market can still use the original HIP if remarketed by the same seller within a year of the original HIP date.
Charles Smailes, President at the NAEA, stated: "Clearly I am delighted that, at long last, the Government accepts some of the concerns we have continually flagged up. However, whilst the rules in respect of first day marketing have been relaxed, the fact remains that you will not be allowed to immediately market your home. We are also pleased that there is now a further opportunity for consultation as a result of the document issued today and we will, of course, be making further representation."
