Hips survey

ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on the news that research published yesterday revealed that 40 per cent of homebuyers saw home information packs, and most people saw one only after they had made an offer.

Stakeholder response: Northgate Information Solutions



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Russell Osborne, managing director of land and property, said: "Today's research has shown that energy performance certificates (EPCs) within home information packs can play a vital role in changing attitudes and behaviour around home energy efficiency.

"Yet nearly 60 per cent of the buyers interviewed during the trials would have preferred to see the contents of the HIP at an earlier stage, rather than once they had made an offer on the property.

"We want to see EPCs provided automatically to prospective purchasers, rather than on demand. We believe this will help to raise awareness and encourage consumers to act on the information and rise to the challenge of climate change."


Stakeholder response: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors



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James Scott-Lee, Rics spokesperson, said: "The results of this survey are not unexpected but the government cannot be satisfied with these conclusions since less than half of the targeted group of consumers are included in the survey.

"The government should look to set a framework under which the industry can provide solutions. The independent Carsberg review of residential property, sponsored by Rics and others will be published in May and will look to provide solutions that consumers welcome and understand."