Thrifty Loans

It was interesting to watch how the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) developed. Originally scheduled for an implementation date of 1 June, the Government has to postpone their introduction owing to the lack of qualified energy assessors – the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) being the most controversial element of the packs. At that time there was a lot of press coverage and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) weighed in expressing grave doubts about the whole scheme.

The delay to 1 August was announced and many experts gave nods of “told you so” satisfaction. The Government also had to rein in the implementation so that, at first, it would only cover properties with four bedrooms or more.

What happened when the 1 August implementation date approached? Nothing. No fanfare, no comments, no announcements, no complaints, no interest! Most estate agents reported little interest and no commotion.

Where did all the fuss go?

Maybe it will return as people start to receive their new packs. At the moment the rules still only state that vendors have to have commissioned a pack when they put their house up for sale, rather than actually possess a pack. Maybe problems will arise if and when an EPC falls short of expectation for a house; or when people actually have to stump up for the cost of a pack.

English Heritage has voiced some concerns that HIPs may destroy the character of traditional English homes, fearing that owners of older properties will feel the pressure to make changes so that their buildings meet environmental requirements. EPCs will rate buildings from A (excellent) to G (poor), and English Heritage says that any property built prior to 1919 will get a poor rating as assessors will make assumptions about their (lack of) energy efficiency. Home with cavity wall insulation will score well, but nine million homes, many dating before 1919, do not have it.

English Heritage were also worried that alterations to Victorian or Edwardian properties may destroy the character of the property and invite new problems such as damp.

Perhaps the fuss is not all over yet.