A new HIP app is being launched today after more than a year of research and trials. It is set to revolutionise the entire industry.
The free-to-download app is intuitive and means that every single property in the UK – with the exception of some parts of Wales – already has a HIP in place.
HIPs can be downloaded in seconds by house hunters, solicitors and agents when they are on the move, and will be absolutely free – despite substantial investment, mostly from the public purse.
The venture has been condemned by Nick Salmon of SPLINTA, who said: “It is a complete waste of money, given that no one ever reads a HIP. The fact that they are now free devalues them even further.”
The project has been jointly funded by CLG and the Land Registry in partnership with Tesco, National Grid and the Energy Savings Trust.
Led by HIP pioneer Rob Hailstone, the project has also had considerable input, both statistical and financial, from Mouseprice and Rightmove.
Between all these bodies, every possible component required in a HIP has been automatically put in place for every home throughout England and Wales, apart from a few ‘black spots’ around Abergavenny (which is known as the Gateway to Wales).
The HIP app will contain more information than is currently within a conventional HIP, such as an obesity rating of the house’s occupants.
Because the automated HIP will be free to access, it will have to be financed by wide-ranging hikes in Council Tax. If you pay your tax by direct debit, the first monthly instalment will be taken today.
Rightmove is also expected to raise its fees substantially, partly to recoup its expenditure on the project so far, but also in return for the exclusive right to deliver ‘HIPs per click’ to users without iPhones.
A new trade association, APPHIPP, is to launch later today. Director-General, Mike Ockenden plans to release a video on YouTube outlining the benefits.
Speaking exclusively to EAT, he said: “This is the dawning of a new era for the HIP industry. There is an obvious need for people on the move to be able to access a HIP wherever they are. For example, you will be able to go into McDonald’s and use the app to instantly download an Energy Performance Certificate with your Double Whopper.”
Rob Hailstone, who led the project, said: “The app HIP will be so exchange-ready, it will hardly be true.”
%20-%20IMAGE%20Client%20Accounting%20%E2%80%93%20what%20are%20your%20options.jpg)
Comments
Who on earth made you think of an obesity rating Ros?
Mike Ockenden filmed something for BBC Working Lunch which is not due for broadcast until Tuesday week - could this be his launch?
Big T
Yes, Michael Ockenden was indeed superb in his last film. It was a really gritty performance, almost a one-man show. The sub-titles were art house. I am not surprised that no less than Guy Ritchie wants to direct him. Respect!
Re the video Mr Ockenden is making, I am wondering if he will be able to top the sheer intensity of performance aand believability of in his last film. I would like to direct him, if it is not too late.
Prefer the 4 myself............oops another pervy , sexist , petty joke slipped in there.
Black gloves, Black shoes, nowt else on, looks like the 5 of spades?
Nice one! Can't believe how many 'smooth operators' with the ladys we have on here. Sexist, pervey, petty jokes - always the best way to conduct yourself! Brilliant. I hope you treat your female clients with the exact same respect.
Can't wait to see Mr Ockenden's new video. Will it have sub titles?
Not strictly true ,unless it is matching collar and cuffs , eh, Victoria
Never mind poor old Stacey, Crocket, Have you not noticed that most blonds have blond hair?
Oh dear , Victoria Stacey rhymes with Tracy, bet your blonde , come from Essex and have blond haur , duh !
As an agent in Abergavenny I am not the least bit concerned that our area has been excluded as most of the folks round here won't pay for a HIP anyway as the law was recently changed by the Welsh Assembly Government to allow house sales without a HIP provided both buyer and seller are Welsh and can sing the National Anthem in the native language. For the sake of accuracy the "Black Spots" are actually called the Black Mountains.
Oh, Victoria, u poor thing. You must work for a corporate, where all the morning meetings and target spreadshhets have finally erroded your sense of humour. As the inventor of Arpil Fool's once said, "I pity the fool!"
Thanks Rosalind, my wife now thinks I am off on another venture, she is packing her bags as I type this...!
Ha ha! Hilarious, well done EAT. Careful, Rightmove never need an excuse to whack their fees up, bet MR Shipside read it with a glint in his eye.
Victoria, do you not think that it could actually be an april fool. Trust it to be a woman, typical.
How does that work then? If the property has not been inspected by an Energy Assessor, how can it already have the EPC component?
April fools are supposed to be out by midday!!!!
Its a good day to present this type of news - I welcome it with both hands and my eyes wide open :)
This is exactly what the market needs - im going to sign up my business today, the obesity rating is the key feature, no one like s a fatty!
april fools???
Plus what if you dont like double whoppers ?
The fact that this has been partly funded by Tesco tells a story.