Home Information Packs

GOVERNMENT U-TURN ON HOME CONDITION REPORTS

Housing minister Yvette Cooper announced today (18th July 2006) that one of the principal components of the Home Information Packs would no longer be introduced in June 2007, as originally planned.

The Home Condition Report, which would have given potential purchasers a basic survey of the property, will no longer be a requirement. Instead, the Packs will only include information on energy efficiency, searches and title deeds.

The news was welcomed by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, who had been critical of the Condition Reports because they did not cover certain important issues such as the condition of electrical wiring, contaminated land, or risk of flooding.

However, many companies that had been preparing for the new legislation were furious. Hundreds of inspectors were being trained in readiness, but now their investment will be wasted.

If you would like to request a copy of our "Asbestos in the home" brouchure please Contact Us.

Where to find asbestos

This covers the typical locations for the most common asbestos-containing materials including: Roof and Exterior Walls Boiler, Vessels and Pipework Ceilings Interior Walls / Panels Flooring Materials Air Handling Systems Domestic Appliances

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Image supplied courtesy of "The Office of Public Sector Information HSE"

What about asbestos?

Regardless of the government’s decision to scrap the Home Condition Reports, most purchasers will want a survey of the property under consideration.

Many properties in the domestic market contain significant amounts of asbestos, and repairs or replacements in the future could be very expensive, since any work involving such material is subject to very strict legislation.

Many building surveyors will not have been trained in asbestos sampling, therefore a specialist company such as City Environmental Services should be employed.