HIP Fine

The introduction of the dreaded Home Inspection Pack is fast approaching. HIP's still lack any credible support, including the RICS, Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Association of Estate Agents.

According to recent figures of the 7,400 inspectors that are deemed necessary, only 1,000 have been successfully trained.

The Sunday Telegraph included a quote from the deputy vice-president of the Law Society, claiming the scheme to be 'a crackpot idea'.

Any homeowners who fail to have the £400- £600 report will face a fine of £200. However, given that the fine does not come with a criminal record, it will be cheaper quicker and easier to send a cheque to Trading Standards for the £200 and be finished with it.

The shadow housing minister looks to have hit the nail on the head when he said 'The only people now behind HIP's are the Government out of their vanity to meet the deadline, and the pack providers out of a vested interest'

And so it continues....