Since their introduction just over a year ago, Home information packs have received a mixed set of reviews. But recent research conducted by the Government suggests that consumers are benefiting from the introduction of HIPs. The report finds that over 1 million homes have an energy rating as a result of the introduction of the packs. To add to this research conducted by Europe Economics found that the packs have not hindered house prices or transactions.

In a bid to increase the effectiveness and efficiency the Government recently announced a series of improvements to the HIPs. The first is the inclusion of a Property Information Questionnaire. This will provide a summary of the property in one place, making it easier for potential buyers to compare properties on the market.

The next change is to make the HIP available sooner. Previously, buyers could commission and pay for a HIP and then market their property with a potential time lag of 28 days before the HIP arrives. From the 6th of April, the HIP must be ready when the property is first marketed giving potential buyers an accurate picture of the property sooner.

The Government has decided to expand the content of the HIP to include flood risk information, gas and electricity safety, service charges, structural damage, and parking arrangements. Finally, the government has commissioned a study by the Office of Fair Trading on how home buying and selling works, specifically looking at how competition between different people in the industry operates.