The Wharf: Home Front – March 15, 2007

Q. What is all the fuss surrounding Home information Packs, are they really going ahead and if so how will this impact the property market?

A. Home Information Packs or HIPS as they are more commonly referred to look set to become law from the 1^st of June 2007. Despite opposition from the majority including a call for postponement last week from both the RICS and the CML it appears the government are now moving full steam ahead with scheme. The packs will comprise of various documents the main ones being, sale statement, official copies of the registers, official copy of the title plan, energy performance certificate, a copy of the lease, any deeds of variation and other leases or licenses that are relevant to or effect the title. The pack will also contain local authority searches and a home condition report, and the list goes on! In effect anyone who wishes to sell their property will now be required by law to have a valid HIP, which complies with the regulations and is in place before a qualifying property is marketed. Naturally this will slow the housing market down particularly as we have seen in this area where often within hours of valuing a property we have it under offer. Situations like that we not occur again as clearly without the pack a property cannot be marketed. Estate Agents looks set to work hand in hand in hand with a HIPS provider to assist our vendors in organising the pack. Certainly the English property system needs addressing in many respects, but are HIPS the answer, only time will tell!

“I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for a very long time, as we used to work together for a number of years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the Docklands real estate market, but this is not her strongest point. What makes Dawn stand out as an agent is the effort she puts into every deal, the relationships she builds with everyone and the passion she has for what she does. Dawn and Gabriella have been managing my investment property for more than 3 years. I now live overseas and I feel so comfortable knowing they are really looking after my interest, whilst at the same time always being fair and transparent with the tenants. Nothing is big enough job for those ladies and everytime I say ‘thank you – I am so grateful for what you do’, the reply is ‘It’s my job’. I really cannot recommend this wonderful team enough!”

Daniela WeatherillOverseas Landlord

“We are incredibly happy with the service that Dawn Sandoval Residential provide. They offer a personal but very professional service, and we feel secure and confident with their management which is key when letting out a property.”

Amy Facey

“Dawn Sandoval Residential and associates have managed several transactions on our behalf, and each time they have gone above and beyond our expectations. We trust the team highly, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Neil Chinniah

“The Dawn Sandoval Residential team took the time to properly understand what I was looking for. At every stage of the process, I knew they were doing their best for me and valued me as a customer. I have no hesitation in recommending their services in the highest possible terms.”

Andrew Simmonds – Management Consultant

“Dawn Sandoval Residential offer a real personal service. Their response rates are excellent, and we have a sense that they care about our tenants and properties. We cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Cathy & Paul Betts

“Dawn Sandoval Residential have great insights into the property market in London and especially around Canary Wharf. They work very hard to understand their clients’ requirements, and we would highly recommend them.”

David & Ginette Marks