After much speculation about delays, changes and possible cancellation of Home Information Packs (HIPs), the Government finally laid the regulations and confirmed that they would come into force on June 1st 2007.

The only significant change since the last Government announcement is that the "long stop" date at which a property marketed pre HIPs can remain in he market without a HIP was brought forward to 31st December 2007.

Integra Property Services have been working on a HIPs solution for their customers for some time and will be announcing final details well in advance on the June 1st date.

It is likely that two options will be offered.

(1) A low cost paid for up front option.

(2) An "free at the point of delivery" option where the costs are absorbed into Integra's competitive commission charges.

Integra Property Services already include free conveyancing within their sole agency fee and see HIPs as an extension of the services already being offered.

Staff at Integra are currently training as Domestic Energy Assessors in order to complete the Energy Performance Certificates required as part of a HIP and this will allow Integra to have a fast and very competitive solution available for their customers.

All estate agents will be legally required to be members of an independent Ombudsman redress scheme for the production of HIPs. As a leading professional business Integra have always been members of the Ombudsman Scheme for Estate Agents and therefore already comply with these requirements.