Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is an EPC? (Energy Performance Certificate)

A. An EPC shows a property’s energy efficiency and contains recommendations as to improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and fuel costs.

Q. What is a PEA? (Predicted Energy Performance Certificate)

A. This is required in a HIP for newly built homes marketed off plan and before completion of construction. It will be substituted by an EPC once the building is complete.

Q. As an Estate Agent, do I need to make a paper copy HIP available to potential Buyers?

A. If an electronic version of the HIP is not acceptable to the potential Buyer then you must provide a paper copy if you believe they are a genuine purchaser – you may charge a reasonable sum.

Q. For how long is a HIP valid?

A. Providing the property remains on the market continuously, there is no legal requirement to update any of the contents.

Q. Is the Pack transferable between Estate Agents?

A. Yes, so long as the customer has paid for the HIP.

Q. If I withdraw my property from the market do I need a new HIP when I come to remarket?

A. You may still use the original HIP if you are remarketing within 12 months of the first point of marketing.

Q. Is there a penalty for not having a HIP?

A. It is a criminal offence not to have obtained a HIP in the required circumstances. The penalty is a fine of £200.00.

Q. If I sell my property through Auction do I need a HIP?

A. Yes.

Q. Do I need a HIP if I am now selling a property I purchased recently for renovation purposes and where a HIP was provided to me?

A. Yes. All documents within a HIP Pack must not be more than three months old at the first point of marketing. Also, improvements may have been made to the property which have affected its energy efficiency and which would not have been referred to in the original EPC.