Home Information Packs are now mandatory for all properties new to the market. It must be commissioned before an estate agent can begin to market it. Compulsory documents included in the pack are an index, Energy Performance Certificate, sale statement, standard Searches and evidence of title.

The new component to the house moving process is the Energy Performance Certificate. This highlights how energy efficient a property is by giving it a rating from A- G, where A is the most energy efficient. It is designed to make us more aware of insulation and fuel costs and to conserve energy and reduce emissions.

A Domestic Energy Assessor will report on the efficiency of the boiler, thermostatic valves, wall and loft insulations, light bulbs, double glazing, fabric and construction of the building and heat loss areas. This data will provide the energy rating.

No survey or condition rating is included in the pack so it is still the responsibility of the buyer to have a survey carried out. It is expected that the pack will be developed further in the future to include more useful information including some kind survey or condition rating.

For leasehold properties a copy of the lease must be included in the pack, whilst management information, details and statements of service charges and details of the landlord must be included after 1st June 2008.

The typical cost of a pack is £299.00 plus V.A.T. this can be paid by debit or credit card or even later by deferred payment at an additional cost.