LMS extends HIP service

The company will also be launching a recruitment programme to ensure it has enough staff in place to deliver its promised service standards.

LMS points out that with HIPs still becoming a legal necessity in June next year there will be a strong demand to meet.

Dominic Toller, director of marketing and new business at LMS, said: “Although we are disappointed for consumers that the Home Condition Report has been temporarily moved by the government from being required to being voluntary, it is important to recognise that HIPs will still become compulsory in just a few months time.

“That means that sellers of properties will still need a HIP with an index, local authority land, water and drainage searches, official copies and file plan or abstract of title and leasehold information, sale statement and, of course, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

“Sellers will be looking to their estate agent, lender or broker to help them with this and, as an independent operation with proven robust systems, fully developed HIPs management and technology, and experienced support and sales teams, LMS is ideally placed to enable them to maximise the opportunities HIPs will bring.

“The withdrawal by competitors like Rightmove means there will be many more lenders, brokers and estate agencies requiring our help in providing that service.

“Inspecting for the EPC will also have to be managed and, with our network of some 1,000 surveyors already in place, we are gearing up to expand the number of HIPs we will be providing.

“Unlike other HIP providers with other agendas, LMS is simply committed to providing fast, high quality and cost effective HIPs in whatever form they are required, whatever their content and however they may change in the future.

“By partnering with LMS intermediaries can have the confidence and peace of mind that they will be able to meet their legal obligations on HIPs, provide an excellent service to clients and generate valuable extra revenue with minimal effort right into the future.”