Insurance News Archive
TV presenters want to scrap Hips
Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer, television presenters of Channel 4's property programme Location, Location, Location, have backed a campaign to reject Home Information Packs (Hips).
The hosts claim that the packs, which are set to be introduced next year, could have a "devastating effect" on the property market, reports the Press Association.
From June next year, all homeowners will have to complete one of the packs, which will include local authority searches, a home condition report and title deeds.
Hips are expected to cost around £635 each, but for some properties, the price could rise to as much as £1,000.
The two presenters are throwing their weight behind a campaign to scrap the introduction of the packs as they say the assembling of them will outweigh any benefits.
They also believe that they will reduce the choice for buyers and lead to pressure on house prices.
It is thought that the packs may also lead to delays in the house buying process, as well as buyers being put off by any faults listed in a home condition report.
"We would like to see cost-effective changes made that would really improve the home buying process but the Hip is just not it," they told the Press Association. 
© Adfero Ltd
24 Apr 2006
