One leading industry expert is hailing the expansion of the Home Information Pack (Hip) scheme as an important step towards increasing transparency in the UK housing market.

Hips are due to be extended to 100 per cent of properties this month when they become obligatory for one and two-bedroom properties as well as larger dwellings.

Each of the controversial packs includes important title documents as well as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which assesses the potential carbon footprint of the home being sold.

Commenting on their forthcoming expansion, Lesley Sorridimi, of HIP HIP Hooray.com, said that in addition to encouraging energy efficiency in the UK's private housing stock, the packs would also increase transparency in the homebuying process.

"It will mean less fall-throughs at the other end and less disappointed buyers who want to buy the property only to find out the seller was never serious in the first place," Mr Sorridimi argued.

A recent government-sponsored survey found that the average UK home scored a below-average 'E' rating for energy efficiency.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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