HIPS - does this apply to off plan?

[wilf]

I've got some off plan property due to complete next year. Do I need a hips certificate?

I've read this blog entry but I'm still not clear:[URL]http://www.offplanpropertyexchange.com/off-plan-property-investment/blog/2007/12/06/do-hips-herald-opportunities-for-the-off-plan-market/[/URL]

[costellj]

Here's the definitive answer you are looking for:

[SIZE="2"][B][URL="http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/industry/170_New_builds_and_developments.html"]New homes built under the pre-2006 Building Regulations are not exempt and will require a HIP. New homes marketed "off-plan" before they are physically complete will not have a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as these can only produced following a physical inspection of a completed building. In these cases, the HIP will contain a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). [/URL][/B][/SIZE]

It's all change in April:

[SIZE="2"][URL="http://www.offplanpropertyexchange.com/off-plan-property-investment/blog/?s=hips"]This changes in April when software becomes available for assessors to conduct Predicted Energy Certificates (PECs) instead. Then all marketed properties – including those purchased off plan - will need HIPs.[/URL][/SIZE]

Hope this helps,

Jim

[EugenS]

I don't understand why this has to happen, and how does it affect me?

[Martine Hodges]

Hi,

Its just some new legislation in the UK.

Hope this helps,
Have a good day

Martine

[EugenS]

Oh, then I guess it only affects me if I want to buy in the UK. Thanks a lot.