HIP industry has 'its head in the sand' over future

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers has further speculated on Conservative plans for Energy Performance Certificates, whilst admitting it will have to work with the Tories on HIPs.

The news comes as one HIP provider said that the industry as a whole has its ‘head in the sand’ as to its future. The reality, says the insider, will be huge job losses – a personal disaster for those who have spent large amounts of their own money in launching businesses or retraining.

The Tories have pledged to ditch HIPs if they come into power, although they will have to keep the EPC in some form because of an EU demand.

The party had planned to shift the requirement for EPCs to the back of the transaction process – in other words, making them available at exchange, not at the point of marketing.

It now apparently says that EPCs will have to be part of the sales process, although will only have to be ordered, rather than actually available, when a property goes up for sale.

The Tories have also been considering giving EPCs a uniform shelf life of ten years, bringing the current three-year requirement for sales properties into line with the rental sector.

But AHIPP is hoping that these Tory plans are also no longer viable. The Association said: “Developments at a European Union level will soon mean that EPCs will be required before marketing can commence.

“No doubt the Conservatives are thinking further about how to meet the requirements of the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, likely to be passed this December. “Validity is also an important factor to consider: we’d be surprised if they are thinking of pushing the validity of the EPC back to ten years, rather than the current three. A lot can happen over such a long period of time, both to a specific property and the market more generally. Just think of where we were with regards to energy efficiency ten years ago
compared to now.”

The statement adds: “AHIPP would like to work with the Conservative party to ensure EPCs are a prominent part of a new and improved Pack that provides consumers with the upfront information they require in the home buying and selling process. The Tories’ new suggestion with regards to EPCs is a step in the right direction, but should go further.”