Home information packs were first introduced in August 2007 on a phased basis and since 14th December 2007, every property put on the market has needed a HIP.

The required documents within a HIP are:-

• An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
• A sale statement (summarising terms of sale)
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
• An Energy Performance Certificate
• Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)
• Where appropriate a copy of the lease

First rolled out as a component within the HIP (see above) EPCs are now required for almost every property for sale or for letting.

Domestic EPCs for properties for sale were phased in along with HIPs with new build coming on stream in May 2008 and Rental Properties in October 2008.
Commercial EPCs were also phased in according to the size of property as follows:

From 6 April 2008 those buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 10,000m2 will require an Energy Performance Certificate on construction, sale or let.

From 1 July 2008 those buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 2,500m2 will require an Energy Performance Certificate on construction, sale or let.
From 1 October 2008, all remaining buildings that are not dwellings will require an Energy Performance Certificate on construction, sale or let.

EPCs for the sale or letting of buildings other than dwellings will be valid for 10 years.

Public authorities, and institutions providing public services to a large number of persons, who occupy space in a building with a total useful floor area greater than 1000m2, must display a valid display energy certificate (“DEC”) at all times and have a valid advisory report in their possession.

A DEC shows an operational rating which conveys the actual energy used by the building as opposed to an EPC which conveys an asset rating showing the intrinsic performance of the building.

Only public authorities or public institutions (those providing services traditionally associated with local or national government) occupying a building must display a DEC. Other private occupants of the same building are not required to display a DEC.

If the building is sold or let, it will additionally require an EPC. If the building has an EPC, the asset rating will need to be included on the DEC. Further guidance on DECs is available see www.communities.gov.uk/epbd