However, Easier2move's HIP Awareness Index showed an increased knowledge of Home Information Packs (HIPs) and strong discussion surrounding the trial.
To coincide with the AHIPP roll out, the trial areas (Bath, Cambridge, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Northampton, and Southampton) were additionally surveyed.
Key figures:
- 89% of estate agents can describe with accuracy what a HIP is (92% within AHIPP trial areas).
- Less than 20% of estate agents in the AHIPP trial areas have signed up as participants, with 17% unsure if their companies are involved.
- 73% of all estate agents surveyed have discussed HIPs with their employers, with half of these saying they have been fully briefed. 33% in the trial areas had been fully briefed, with 44% having heard some mention of them.
“It is interesting that less than 20% of agents surveyed in the trial areas have signed up to the scheme. Trials are essential as they allow estate agents to gain hands on practical experience of how to use HIPs and to witness how effective they can be. By becoming involved in the scheme during its pilot stages estate agents will be at a significant advantage when they go live.
“It is good news that almost three-quarters of estate agents surveyed have been in some dialogue with their management staff about HIPs and what will be required next year. Of all those surveyed 36% had been fully briefed. This is a positive step, but it highlight that there is still a lot of work to be done. There is some parity with those agents in the trial areas although astonishingly those in these towns appear to have been less well briefed.
“Overall the news is positive as we gather momentum in the run up to HIPs going live, although there is still work to be done, we are on the right track.”
