Help is on tap for handling new home packs

Sep 28 2007 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

AS all the legal profession will know, the second phase of Home Information Packs (Hips) was launched on September 10 to incorporate all properties with three bedrooms. This means that roughly 70% of properties new to the market will require a Hip.

Within a standard HIP several key components are necessary. They include:

An index;

An energy performance certificate (EPC);

A sales statement;

Title information;

A local search;

And a CON29DW drainage and water search.

As Northumbrian Water is the owner of regional drainage and water data and the official source of CON29DW drainage and water searches in the North-East, it is well known for delivering the most accurate, up-to-date search information fast. That means every search ordered can be relied upon by the seller, the HIP provider, the mortgage lender, the buyer and their legal representative.

Whenever you order a CON29DW drainage and water search, it is important to make sure the report comes with the official water company logo.

That way consumers will receive reliable information direct from the experts and because all searches are guaranteed, if anything goes wrong further down the line, Northumbrian Water will be able to put things right.

The enhanced CON29DW drainage and water search now includes:

Details of service issues, including whether the property is at risk of sewer flooding, or at risk of receiving low water pressure;

Details of water quality such as lead pipes in the distribution network;

Charging arrangements including meter location and the basis of charging on change of occupancy;

Distance to the nearest sewerage treatment works;

A complaints procedure detailing any guarantees, as well as who is liable for negligence or redress.

Northumbrian Water is striving to make it as easy as possible to order searches and they can be accepted in a number of ways – by phone, email, post, DX, fax or over the internet.

Northumbrian Water aims to provide support for conveyancers throughout the introduction of Hips.

It is available to answer any queries or concerns, as well as providing CPD seminars – giving conveyancers all the information they need about Hip regulations, including all the facts about the new CON29DW drainage and water search.

SUMMARY OF STATISTICS

52,500 CON29DW searches received over the past 12 months

55% of CON29DW searches replied within 24 hours

92% of CON29DW searches replied within three working days

97% of CON29DW searches replied within five working days