The introduction of HIPs has brought major challenges as well as potential opportunities to the conveyancing profession. A large number of national HIP providers, many in association with conveyancing factories, are looking to take business from local conveyancers. However local solicitors can offer a more personal service to estate agents and private clients using their local knowledge and relationships. This presents the opportunity not only to expand into the new HIP market but also secure further conveyancing business as a follow on from the HIP.

 

It is important that a significant part of the HIP, the Energy Performance Certificate, is undertaken with the same professionalism as the legal part of the HIP. When a house is first put on the market and a HIP commissioned the first major activity seen by the vendor will be a visit from a Domestic Energy Assessor. This assessment could take over 2 hours for a 5 bedroom house with three floors.

 

 

We work closely with local solicitors giving a seamless, professional and personal service to your clients. We undertake EPCs locally, based in St Albans, and confirm all appointments in writing. All follow up queries (whether from the vendor or potential buyers) are handled personally and diligently - there is no call centre 'filtering' questions.

 

We can also work with a conveyancing practice to reduce duplication and offer a more seamless service to the vendor. For example a number of questions in the EPC questionnaire are similar to those in the Seller's Property Information Forms (e.g. home improvements - double glazing, extensions - requiring dates and documentation - building regulations, FENSA certificates, etc). We can pass on this pro forma information at the EPC stage to reduce this duplication and help save time and effort. 

 

Local knowledge of the housing stock is vital in order to present a realistic and honest view of the energy performance of a property. In areas such as St Albans and Harpenden, where there are many Victorian and Edwardian homes, EPC ratings will inevitably be lower than modern houses, but this should not deter buyers or depress sellers. We specialise in advising clients of the best options for older properties, including those in Conservation Areas.