The HiP Exchange has been set up in response to the Governments Housing Act 2004 which requires anyone marketing a property to have ordered a Home Information Pack which will include an Energy Performance Certificate before they market their property. Access to Pack Providers and Domestic Energy Assessors is difficult for the public and a handful of 'HiP Supermarkets' are trying to dominate the market.

All properties were new to the market after 1st January 2008 require a Pack although some larger properties required one prior to this date. From 1st April 2009 the pack will have to be in place BEFORE marketing can commence. The end of so called "first day marketing'.

From 1st October 2008 all rental properties required an EPC when the lease is renewed.

In due course we will also provide the opportunity for vendors to order a Home Condition Report which was to be a mandatory part of the Home Information Pack but which was made voluntary in 2006. Many believe that the HCR was the principal ingredient in the HiP that could actually speed up the buying and selling process which was the original aim of the introduction of the Home Information Pack.

Only registered HiP Providers and Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors can see the information and they can bid for the job providing the quickest or best value, bespoke service for the particular property.

We provide a brokerage service putting both parties together. At present the service is FREE to all.

In many instances, the owners of an expensive property or their agents are more concerned about who is poking about in their loft and their relevant experience rather than the cheapest cost. Many of the registered DEA's have experience of bigger, more individual properties and consequently may be more suitable.

We do not at present offer the opportunity to order a Home Condition Report although this service will follow if there is sufficient demand.

The site has been set up by Henry Pryor who has worked in the property industry for 24 years. It exists to help the public, estate agents and lawyers to order either a full Pack or just an EPC and to ensure that a realistic fee is charged for the production of it. In the chaos of the introduction of HiPs, there have been a number of 'offers' made by a few agents who have offered a "free" Pack in return for the vendor signing a 12 month agency agreement. This is unreasonable. In addition, some Pack Providers have offered very cheap HiPs but only by paying Inspectors and DEA's an absurdly low fee.

The HiP Exchange will set a fair market rate and ensure that home owners get a qualified and professional service.