The Wharf: Home Front – October 2, 2008

Q. Having just agreed to purchase a two bedroom apartment here in canary wharf and now arranging the legal formalities of the purchase, my solicitor has asked the agent for a copy of the Home Information Pack (HIPS). The agents however have said that the property does not have one as it was on the market before the new legislation came into force. Surely this cant be right, I am understandably concerned as I hear it’s illegal to market a property with out the pack?

A. From December 14^th 2007 the government made it a legal requirement for all properties marketed for sales to have a Home Information Pack produced for the property. However, if the property was already on the market prior to this date they would be exempt from this requirement, and as long as it has remained on the market continuously since then the property would not require a pack. Of course in usual market conditions a property in canary wharf would never be on the market for that length of time but given the current climate it is not unusual at all to see properties sitting on the market for several months whilst trying to secure a buyer. As you rightly stated, property coming to the market following that date does 100% require a pack and it is illegal to market a property without it, it’s worth noting though that the responsibility for this rests with the seller not the buyer.

“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