Structural survey of homes is advisable
What should sellers include in a Home Information Pack? The energy performance certificate is one thing . . . but the Hip should include a home condition report as mandatory.
The energy performance certificate is one thing, according to Mark Ockenden, the director general of the Association of Home Information Packs Providers. Although this is an EU directive which Britain must introduce, it is unfair on older properties.
The country has a lot of older houses not built to the modern standards and which will not be adaptable to the application of all forms of energy conservation. Such properties when for sale will therefore carry the lowest rating E. Solid exterior walls impossible to insulate, having no cavities, are just one example.
As for the optional documents - the Hip should include a home condition report as mandatory, since there are still buyers who don't think a structural survey is necessary.
It isn't in an estate agents' interest to mention important facts like evidence of subsidence, the cracks in brickwork could indicate, or missing slates due to nail sickness and other signs that could mean spending a small fortune.
Furthermore most building insurers may well refuse any claims made by the new owner if those faults were present at time of purchase. This really is far more important than any energy performance certificate.
The home condition report should at least be mandatory, although any intelligent person serious about buying a property would have a full structural survey so they will know the structural condition before signing a binding contract.
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