Frequently asked questions

[Q] 
Where do I get my Home Information Pack (HIP)?

[A] 
Castles will undertake the preparation of your pack if one is required. This is included in Castles service so there are no hidden costs or finance agreements to sign.

[Q] 
If I want to see the HIP for a property I am interested in what do I do?

[A] 
Ring or email the Castles office handling the particular property and they will forward you a HIP request form which explains what the HIP should contain and what to do in the event of questions relating to the HIP.

[Q] 
Do I have to pay for a copy of the HIP?

[A] 
If you are interested in one of Castles property and are a genuine purchaser Castles will provide you a copy of a HIP free of charge. To uphold the green credentials of the legislation we would encourage any interested party to accept a digital copy of the HIP which can be emailed or provided to you on CD. Paper copies are available if necessary.

[Q] 
How do I know if I need a HIP?

[A] 
The legislation does not apply to all property and there are legitimate exceptions. As the legislation will change please contact your local Castles office whose staff will be more than happy to advise you in relation to your particular property.

[Q] 
Do I need a HIP before I put my property on the market?

[A] 
Not at present. The responsible person (usually the agent) needs to have comissioned the HIP before marketing can commence. This is due to change on 1st January 2008 when the HIP should be in place before marketing your home.

[Q] 
Should I replace the lightbulbs in my house with low energy bulbs to improve the rating?

[A] 
Replacing all your bulbs with low energy bulbs will not make a huge difference to the final SAP rating of your home. Although environmentally friendly they are not a favourite of the agent when showing your home as they do take a while to reach their full luminescence and can make a home appear gloomy.

[Q] 
Should I improve the insulation of my home before marketing?

[A] 
It is not Castles belief that buyers will decide which house to purchase on the basis of its energy rating. The EPC is quite clear in showing a potential purchaser how they can easily improve the rating for little or low cost.

[Q] 
Does the selling agent have to give me a copy of the HIP?

[A]
Castles are required to assess the suitability of the buyer against the legislation and criterion supplied by the client. For example you may be asked to demonstrate your financial viability.

[Q]
What’s the difference between a ‘Freehold’ and ‘Leasehold’ property?

[A]
Simply put, Leasehold means that you do not own the land that the property stands on, usually applicable to a flat or maisonette. Freehold property means you own the property and the land that it is built on. Under the terms of a Lease maintenance insurance and
ground rent are usually payable to the Freeholder (or their agent) which can sometimes be owned jointly between the leaseholders. Freehold property can also include maintenance payments
(for private roads gardens etc.) so get your solicitor to carefully check your liabilities.

[Q]
What’s the difference between a sole and multiple agency?

[A]
Sole agency is when you instruct only one agent to sell your home, this is usually the most cost effective way of selling but you must choose your agent carefully.

Multiple agency is when you have more than one agent to sell, this
normally costs more money and can make a property appear difficult to sell. We recommend choosing the right sole agent in the first place…

[Q] 
What should I do with the HIP if I am interested in purchasing the property and have questions?

[A] 
Castles are unable to comment on individual documents within the HIP and recommend you take it to your legal adviser.

[Q]
Do I have to have a survey on the property I am purchasing?

[A]
At the moment it is personal choice. A survey can provide piece of mind, although more specific tests on the utilities (gas and electric installations) can also be considered. Do not rely on the basic mortgage valuation as it is merely for the lender’s information. The Home Information Pack does not contain a condition survey.