The plans for the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPS) are set to change yet again with ministers looking likely to force the scheme on all three-bedroom properties from 1 August 2007.

Originally, the HIPs were due to be introduced on June 1st and would only be required for homes with four or more bedrooms. However, there were concerns that there were not enough people to carry out the energy efficiency audits on properties, one of the most crucial parts of the HIPs therefore the introduction date was pushed back. Now, ministers are looking to extend the packs to three bedroom homes, potentially affecting thousands of vendors across the country.

The packs are costly and force vendors to spend hundreds of pounds collating information about their homes. Experts have expressed concern that the packs may cause a lot of chaos and confusion and could stall the housing market when they are introduced.

Ministers have taken the step of proposing three-bedroomed houses be included within the scheme because they believe there will be enough assessors accredited by 1 August to meet demand. If 2,000 people are accredited before the 1 August, 3 bedroomed homes will be included. If three are less than 2,000 people, 3 bedroomed homes will not be included in the scheme for the time being.

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