  news...Buying a house together? What happens if you separate? Europe rules on whether Police can keep DNA of innocent people Defendant, convicted whilst on–the–run, granted leave to appeal against sentence imposed Jail term reduced for man on–the–run The New Lincolnshire Private Law Framework Energy Performance Certificates Expansion continues at Bird & Co. Solicitors LLP Criminal Defence Staff Doubled News Archives |
HOME INFORMATION PACK UPDATE The Government has announced that it is extending the temporary provisions for first day marketing whereby a property can be put on the market without a Home Information Pack (HIP), provided one has been commissioned and paid for, and is expected to be in place within 28 days. Originally, this dispensation was to end for properties marketed after 31st May 2008 but the date has now been postponed until 31st December 2008. The temporary dispensation that applies to leasehold properties, whereby the only compulsory document in the HIP is a copy of the lease, will also continue until the end of the year. This change has been made because the Government has instituted a new consultation process following complaints from industry about the additional costs and delays being experienced, when obtaining the documents necessary for inclusion in a HIP for a leasehold property. It is expected that the rules relating to the contents of HIPs for leaseholds may well change significantly between now and 31st December 2008. Bird & Co. Solicitors LLP can provide a Home Information Pack on your behalf, which is reviewed and collated by legally qualified personnel at a very competitive cost of £295 plus VAT. If you wish to discuss obtaining a Home Information Pack and are about to place your property on the market, please contact Jane Overland, Lorraine Hunt or Rebecca Tasker. LANDLORDS Did you know that from the 1st October 2008 all properties let to tenants require an Energy Performance Certificate? The Certificate currently forms part of the Home Information Pack and if you have recently purchased your property you may already have one. If not, you will need to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate the next time you let your property. Once you have obtained the Certificate it will last for 10 years unless you update the property by having, for instance, a new boiler installed or improved loft insulation. If you already have tenants in the property and EPC will not be required until you have new tenants. For more information ask our Property, Wills and Probate Department
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