HIPS - should we keep them?

We are fools for statistics and surveys but we should really always question the validity of these supposed indicators.

We all feel that HIPs have largely been a waste of time, and changed very little if anything in the property buying process. Whenever I mention them to estate agents they smirk and raise their eyes, however they have probably enjoyed some of the affiliate commission they have pulled out from home sellers whilst they've not actually been able to sell any properties.

However, The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) have just commissioned a survey that supposedly proves the validity of these costly packs, and they are going to use this 'research' to lobby the likes of Grant Schapps and other Tories who are wanting to get rid of this nonsensical Labour whimsy.

Here's what 'their research discovered'. (I've added some thoughts in grey.)

CONSUMERS & HIPS – THE TRUTH REVEALED ( bold title - maybe over egging?)

New research shows what British consumers really think of Home Information Packs

New research out today reveals the majority of Home Information Pack consumers are satisfied with the delivery of their HIP, with further findings demonstrating the ease with which they were completed and support for the provision of up front information in the home buying process.

The Ipsos MORI survey, commissioned by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), ( not biased then ) reveals the following:

Six out of seven of those surveyed (85%) say that the need to obtain a HIP did not influence their decision about whether or not to sell their home. ( so 15% less property for sale because of them - great! )

60% said the information provided by the seller in the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) is useful to buyers, with nearly three quarters (73%) saying it took less than 20 minutes to complete and 75% finding it easy to complete ( does the fact that they're easy to fill out make them worth having?)

A majority (57%) agree that home buyers should be provided with more upfront information about the condition of the property that they are buying. ( ok? so 43% don't .......surely everyone would like as much information as possible, if its FREE - bizarre question)

Only a minority (30%) disagreed that providing home buyers with more information about a property before making an offer would improve the buying and selling process. (this isn't even a point - who wrote this survey?)

Around four out of five (82%) agree that the process of buying and selling properties takes too long. ( blimey, this is now getting embarrassing)

Did they not think of asking if those people who had sold or bought a property using a Home Information Pack thought it was worthwhile or not? Or if anyone thinks it worthwhile paying out for them? Funny that.

But would you if you were the trade body involved with making money from these questionable documents.

Lets keep EPCs and ditch the dodgy HIP, its time for a replacement. Listen up Tories lets see that you can see through the lies, damned lies and statistics and use some common sense.

Please leave your thoughts on HIPS.

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