People looking to sell their home after June 1st will be required to have a home information pack (Hip) – but they should not approach providers directly, according to the association representing such bodies.

Mike Ockenden, director general of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers, advises that estate agents are likely to be able to procure a Hip more quickly than property owners.

"You can get a Hip from a provider directly, but what you have to understand is [that] you then become the responsible person under the Housing Act, which means there are then certain obligations that you as an individual have to fulfil," he said.

Mr Ockenden added that by appointing an agent, these obligations will be filled on the seller's behalf.

Last month, Stephen Callaghan, director of energy-assessors.com, said that house-hunters are more likely to choose a property that has energy-saving features after the government brings in its energy performance certificate scheme as part of the Hips initiative.

Investing in double glazed windows and doors can help cut back on energy wastage and can make a home more attractive to buyers.

Click here for a selection of double glazed windows and doors from Safestyle.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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