The government has pushed forward the date sellers must have a Home Information Pack from the 31 March 2008 to 31 December 2007.

This applies to property that is on the market before 1 June 2007. This is the third time the government has changed the date. In the original regulations, sellers had until the end of October 2007 to get a pack on their property, and then in a consultation document issued at the end of January of this year, the government suggested changing this date to 31 March 2008.

Mike Ockenden, director general of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers, said: “I welcome these regulations, which have introduced a series of sensible and pragmatic steps to support the smooth implementation of HIPs, taking on board industry recommendations and concerns.

“We will continue to work closely with Government and the relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless and effective introduction of HIPs, for the benefit of the consumer.”