In the loop - February 2008
April HIPs mean business for Developers
12 February 2008
As April approaches, movewithus is urging developers to prepare for the launch of Home Information Packs (HIPs) for all new-build properties. Currently, HIPs are not required for new-build properties built under part-L regulations. As a result, most developers avoid HIPs.
However, some developers are still unsure whether the legislation will come into effect in April as predicted. At the time of writing, no official statement has been made introducing HIPs for all new-build properties – including part-L.
With no official statement, why should developers prepare for April?
Sylvia Giles, movewithus HIP director, said: “We understand developers’ concerns with regards to the uncertainty of the HIP legislation. The introduction of HIPs would mean an additional administrative process and the provision of resources and manpower to deal with the extra requirements.
The only reason a HIP is not required for part-L properties already is because the current SAP software is not capable of producing a part-L EPC. The EPBD regulations, which have been announced for rollout in April, state that an EPC will be required for part-L properties. This obviously means that the SAP technology will need to be ready in time.
I suspect that the only reason the government has not already announced the rollout to part-L properties is because they want to be 100% certain that the updated software will be ready in time and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past by making premature announcements!”
Our HIPs team has gained industry plaudits for the reliability and professionalism of our HIP service. Of particular note has been our HIP support service, which has guided our clients through the uncertainty of the rollout of HIPs.
