News Archive

The new HomeBuyer Report (HBR) was launched in July of this year and the 31st of December 2009 is the last day you can use the old version of the Home Buyer Survey and Valuation (HSV). Are you ready for the switch?

BlueBox partners has developed a package of training and development initiatives to help you cope with the transition. Designed to suit a range of different learning styles, and flexible enough to fit into busy work schedules, we think our programmes will suit most practitioners.

Click here for further information.

Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Nine – August 2009.

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Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Eight – June 2009.

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Please see attached guidance from the CLG regarding the use of Data Gatherers and Data Collection.

Click here for the article.

Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Seven – May 2009.

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If you missed the RICS seminars, or if you want to develop a deeper understanding of this new approach to assessing and reporting condition, you still have time to book onto one of the CPT and BlueBox partners HomeBuyer Report seminars.

Please click here for further details.

Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Six – April 2009.

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Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Five – March 2009.

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Drawing upon each other's strengths BlueBox partners and Contact Property Training have come together to form a partnership and aim to deliver the highest quality training for residential property professionals.

Please click here for details of our new training programme.

Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Four – December 2008

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Please see attached new guidance from the CLG regarding requirements for energy performance certificates (EPCs) when marketing commercial (non-domestic) properties for sale or let.

Click here for the full article.

Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Three – October 2008

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Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue Two – July 2008

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Technical Briefing for Surveyors, Energy Assessors and Property Professionals.
Issue One – March 2008

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The Government today announced the roll-out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) to all properties marketed for sale in England and Wales from 14 December 2007, whatever their size.

Communities and Local Government issued a press release and Ministerial Statement on the full roll-out of HIPs and supporting activity to ensure continued smooth implementation.

Click here for the full article.

In a recent press release, the Council for Mortgage Lenders (CML) acknowledged that most of the major lenders are now willing to accept valuations carried out by surveyors qualified as TechRICS. Following representations from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and a number of other surveyors, the CML issued a circular to clarify its attitude towards this new and rapidly growing part of the Institution.

Please click below for more information:
CML Circular
Tech RICS Paper 1

Please see below the latest version of PROGRESS Issue 23. In this issue:

Drop Dead Date

We have been asked to clarify the Drop Dead Date (DDD), what it means and when it applies.

No date has yet been set.

Currently, any property that was already on the market on the commencement date (i.e. 1 August 2007 for sales of homes with four or more bedrooms and 10 September 2007 for those with three or more bedrooms) does not need to have a HIP. However, a date will be set (the Drop Dead Date) when all properties that are on the market will be required to have a HIP, regardless of when they were first marketed. We will set this date in the light of market conditions as HIPs bed in.

According to a survey from the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (HIPs), average four-bedroom properties are getting an 'E' energy rating.

Click here for the full article.

The Government has today announced that Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be rolled out to three bedroom properties from September 10.

HIPs and EPCs are being introduced on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition in the housing market, and to begin the process of transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment at the earliest opportunity.

Following the introduction of the packs for homes with four bedrooms and above on August 1, the Government has today confirmed there will be enough energy assessors, nationally and regionally, to roll out to three bedroom homes next month, having taken into account the operation of HIPs in the market.

HIPs and EPCs will give house buyers energy ratings for homes for the first time, from A to G - similar to consumer friendly ratings for fridges, helping to lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions. The packs will also help to cut costs for consumers by increasing transparency and competition in the home buying and selling process.

A further announcement on rolling out HIPs and EPCs to other properties will be made in due course. Our key criteria will be ensuring a smooth implementation and that the necessary energy assessors, both nationally and regionally, are in place.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:

"We are now ready to start rolling out HIPs and EPCs to the next part of the market as promised, and improve a home buying and selling process which currently is not working for consumers or the environment."

"HIPs and EPCs can help families to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills, and cut a million tonnes of carbon a year. They also have the potential to reduce the millions of pounds wasted by consumers when buying and selling a home, by increasing transparency and competition in a process that hasn't changed for a generation."

Measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Typical 'green grants' of £100 to £300 for energy saving improvements like loft insulation are available for many home owners.

A new system to make it easier for home owners to access these grants from energy suppliers was launched earlier this month. Energy suppliers are providing immediate access and information about green grants and offers to home buyers when they sign up to an energy contract. A new portal on the Energy Saving Trust's website also allows consumers to tap in their postcode to find out offers available.

A snapshot of leading HIP providers shows packs are taking five days on average to produce. Many major estate agent chains are offering HIPs as part of their ordinary fees. Others are charging in the region of £300 to £350 plus VAT on an upfront or deferred basis - £200 to £250 of which is already paid for in the current system.

Please see attached the latest version of PROGRESS Issue 18. In this issue:

• Communications update
• Sample HIP now available
• Order your HIPs swatch and toolkit
• EPBD e-newsletter – sign up
• Latest update of DEA and HI numbers

Click here for the full article.

Please see attached the latest version of PROGRESS Issue 17. In this issue:

• HIPs national advertising campaign
• Social housing pilot for EPCs
• House of Lords HIPs Regulations debate
• House of Commons
• Approval of RICS HIPs redress scheme

Click here for the full article.

To help candidates prepare for the NAEA examinations, BlueBox partners has organised an exam revision seminar that aims to:

• Outline the structure and purpose of the NAEA examination process;
• Develop participants' examination techniques, especially in relation to multi-choice questions;
• Identify topic areas that are likely to appear in the examinations;
• Discuss some of the more challenging technical issues associated with the DEA's role (e.g. conservatories, roof-in-the roofs, boiler identification, etc.)

A debate on the HIP regulations took place in the House of Lords yesterday. During the debate CLG Minister Baroness Andrews reiterated the Government's commitment to the introduction of HIPs from 1 August.

Following the debate a vote was called, which was lost by a small margin. However, this will not affect the introduction of HIPs and EPCs from 1 August, which will go ahead as planned.

A CLG spokesperson said: "This vote will not affect the introduction of HIPs and EPCs on 1 August, which are going ahead in the interests of consumers and the environment. We think that tackling climate change and getting a better deal for consumers is vital – it is disappointing that some do not agree. They will cut nearly a million tonnes of carbon a year and help reduce the millions of pounds wasted by consumers buying and selling their homes."

Please send any questions to homeinfopacks@communities.gsi.gov.uk or for further information visit the Home Information Packs website.

On 22 May we set out proposals to invite Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords to work with us to introduce Energy Performance Certificates on a voluntary basis in the social housing sector.

The tendering process with LAs and RSLs has now concluded and the approved bids are published on the Home Information Packs website.

Successful bidders will now move forward with their plans and we expect most EPCs to be undertaken over the summer. LAs and RSLs will be contracting directly with energy assessor or Panels for the pilot projects, and work will begin in the next couple of weeks.

If you are a Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector looking for work, we suggest you contact successful LAs/RSLs or their EPC providers.

Please send any questions relating to this initiative to homeinfopacks@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Further information is also available on the Housing Corporation website.

Please see attached the latest version of PROGRESS Issue 15. In this issue:

• Joint letter with the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) on redress
• Update of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) pilot - reminder about the closing date
• Lords SI Merits Committee 2nd report on HIPs regulations published
• Overview of previous e-alerts and newsletters sent to you

Click here for the full article.

RICS has made a further statement on the implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs) due on 1 August 2007.

Please click here to read the full statement.

Following Neil McDonald's letter of 25th May, please see below a letter plus an implementation update from the HIPs Programme Manager. Both provide further information on the roll-out of Home Information Packs and EPCs from 1st August.

Letter to Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors
Implementation Update

Following the announcement on 22nd May by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, please see below a letter from Neil McDonald of CLG providing further information on the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates from 1st August.

Please click here to read the full article.

RICS Housing spokesperson, Jeremy Leaf, responds to the Government's decision to delay the introduction of HIPs.

Please click here to read the full article.

Please click here to read the full article taken from today's Guardian.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly this afternoon made a statement to the House of Commons on the implementation of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.

Please click here to read the press notice, full Ministerial statement and updated Q&A.

As mentioned in PROGRESS Issue 12 on Friday 4th May, we stated the Procedural Guidance would be available shortly.

The procedural guidance to the HIP Regulations 2007 is now available. The guidance is intended to provide help on interpretation of the regulations and will be of particular interest to those who are directly involved in the production of the Home Information Packs.

Please click here to find your copy.

Please see attached the latest version of PROGRESS Issue 11.

The key topics covered in issue 11 are:

• Update on the Merits Committee report
• End of area trial incentives
• DEA Accreditation schemes approved
• Direct marketing – order your HIP toolkit in time for 1 June
• Handling HIPs booklet
• Consultation exercise on draft access guidance

Click here for the full article.

The Domestic Energy Assessor Qualification – Choosing the Right Route
Seminar Objectives

Now that the CLG have confirmed that HIPs will become compulsory on June 1st, developments around the Energy Performance Certificates have moved forward quickly. Accreditation schemes and qualification routes are being approved as you read this message, which makes it very difficult to decide between the emerging choices. In response, this one-day course organised by BlueBox partners has a number of objectives:

• to update participants on the Domestic Energy Assessor and HIP initiative;
• to introduce the NAEA route to DEA qualification and the RICS accreditation to undertake EPCs for Chartered Surveyors and as a consequence it assists participants in choosing the method that suits their own learning style;
• to give an insight into the detailed requirements of both routes and so help participants prepare for which ever they choose;
• to review some key RdSAP issues and help participants fill any gaps in their knowledge and understanding (e.g. heating systems, dealing with flats, non standard dwellings, etc.)

To get the most out of this day, all participants MUST have completed their on-line RdSAP assessment with Elmhurst.

This one-day course will contribute towards a greater understanding of Energy Assessment for residential buildings and be a stepping stone to other forms of Energy Assessment.

Although we have not received final confirmation from the parties involved, the routes are likely to cost as follows:

NAEA route:

• cost of RdSAP update if you have not already got a RdSAP 2005 qualification (fee not yet available);
• additional fee to Elmhurst for extra assessment associated with the extra EPCs that will have to be submitted to the NAEA;
• NAEA registration and exam fee (£450)

RICS experienced practitioner route:

• RdSAP update if you have not already got a RdSAP 2005 qualification (fee not yet available);
• RICS registration and assessment fee £565

The latest information will be presented on the one-day course so you can make an informed decision.

Course Dates
Wakefield - 20th April 2007
Bath - 24th April 2007
Hemel Hempstead - 3rd May 2007
Kenilworth - 8th May 2007

New Regulations have been placed before parliament and the details are set here: Home Information Pack Regulations.

This link includes the new Regulations and various other pieces of information, there are a number of concessions that are briefly detailed as follows:

• For a transitional period, sellers can market their homes with a HIP that includes the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sale statement, evidence of title and index; and evidence that other documents have been commissioned and will be included in the pack as soon as practicable (and certainly within 28 days);
• The EPC is included as the first document in the pack, following the index;
• For those properties that cannot have an EPC - such as those bought "off-plan" - a separate energy assessment will be included;
• The duty to refresh time-sensitive parts of the HIP will not arise where the property is re-marketed by the same seller within one year of the original marketing date;
• Personal search companies will be allowed to use insurance immediately for those parts of the search where they cannot gain access to data. This will only apply for a transitional period until April 2008;
• Properties already on the market by 1st June 2007 will not need a HIP unless they remain on the market after 31st December 2007

Training for Experienced Practitioners

Training will be available for Experienced Practitioners to achieve the Domestic Energy award either through the NAEA or RICS scheme with the first courses - 1 day only - all candidates must be RICS qualified, have RdSAP 2001 and undertake residential inspections regularly - further details will be available on the website:

Wakefield - 20th April 2007
Bath - 24th April 2007
Hemel Hempstead - 3rd May 2007
Kenilworth - 8th May 2007

In association with Safe as... Assessment Centre, we are pleased to organise a half day seminar that will help candidates prepare for the ABBE External Examination. Using the model examination questions from the ABBE website, the aims of the seminar are to:

• Familiarise candidates with the nature and format of the exam;
• investigate the subject areas that are likely to be included, and
• develop an appropriate question answering strategy.

This course is open to anyone who is progressing with their Home Inspector Training regardless of their training organisation or assessment centre. The cost is:
£90 + VAT - External Exam Preparation
£10 + VAT - Optional Lunch

The course will start promptly at 9.00am and will finish at 12.30pm approximately. Lunch will be available from 1.00pm.

Places for this event are limited so early booking is recommended.

We understand that there is concern regarding what was said in the budget regarding HIPs.

Any suggestion that HIPs will not go ahead on June 1st is untrue and a complete non-story. The Government's position is crystal clear - HIPs and EPCs will be introduced on the 1 June. Absolutely nothing has been said which contradicts this. EPCs will be produced before properties are put on the market so that buyers are informed about the energy efficiency of their prospective home before they make an offer.

We recognise that there are some vested interests who continue to oppose HIPs - the Government and green groups support them because we are serious about tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions and improving the home buying and selling market. We urge everyone to support these efforts.

RICS has provided a comment on how HIPs and Energy performance Certificates should be implemented, together with a message from the RICS Residential Chairman (These articles are listed below). The RICS have obviously given considerable thought to their responses as have a number of others who are urging the Government to change their minds. Their proposals maybe very credible but are they just being vexatious or are they being constructive. One has to question the ability of all parties, that is Estate agents, HIP providers, Conveyancers, Surveyors, Home Inspectors, Domestic Energy Assessors, etc to be fully prepared for June 1st with all this uncertainty being introduced at this late stage, which is perpetuated because the Documentation and Accreditation are still not in place. This does not mean that something cannot be in place that will allow some progress to be made to where all parties seem to consider is worthwhile, although all seem to have a different way of getting there. In any situation that requires change then without strong leadership that plots a definitive route any form of anti-change movement will always be successful.

In the meantime those who take the initiative are placed in an extremely difficult position. Those against the proposals have to be even more constructive in their comments in considering those that will have to deliver something in the very near future.

RICS paper - Response to DCLG Consultation
A message from Jeremy Leaf, Chairman of RICS Residential Faculty
RICS view - HIPs and Energy Performance Certificates

As you will be aware the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will begin to be implemented from the 1st June 2007. Initially this will cover the marketed sale of properties i.e. every property placed on the market will have to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This applies to both new build and existing properties.

How this will be applied for new build properties is still unclear but we believe Authorised SAP assessors will be able to produce the EPC in the same way as SAP certificates. The FAERO competent person scheme will eventually take over this roll. The Elmhurst (FAERO) competent person scheme will be launched over the next week and we will send further details then, alternatively keep an eye on our website www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk

For existing properties the EPC will be produced as part of the HIP by a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Home Inspector (HI). We have updated our website with details of the various options new entrant or existing practitioner.

The existing practitioner course starts from £750 + VAT (including all costs; training, assessment, manuals, registration with NAEA and exam fees). This course we believe is the most cost effective qualification route to achieving the Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessing. Existing Practitioner DEA training.

We hope you find this information useful.

The number of mortgage repossessions leapt by more than two thirds last year, according to new statistics. The Department for Constitutional Affairs latest figures on possession actions show that banks and building societies seized a total of 17,000 homes in 2006. This figure represented a 65% increase on 2005 and was the highest recorded since 2001.

The CLG has established the entry standards for domestic energy assessor (DEA) accreditation. Bodies such as RICS that wish to offer routes to accreditation are invited to put in proposals for accrediting experience rather than expecting all DEAs to pass an examination. All DEAs must, as a basic requirement, meet the National Occupational Standards but Government wants to see flexibility in how this is achieved. RICS has been working closely with the CLG on this issue and we very much welcome the move to greater flexibility. Accordingly, RICS has put forward a proposal to the Department as to the best method of assessing achievement of the National Occupational Standards by experienced RICS members.

RICS will ensure that a streamlined and cost effective route is available to all members wishing to practise as DEAs. There are two alternatives for members:

Experienced practitioners
RICS' proposed route for practitioners with two or more years relevant experience will entail assessment of completed Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) with site notes and photographs, providing a witness testimony attesting to your experience and that you have knowledge of RDSAP 2005. The details of this have yet to be agreed with DCLG. As a consequence you may wish to wait a while longer whilst we clarify the experienced practitioner requirements.

Non experienced practitioners
RICS is also approved to offer the ABBE DEA qualification and as such will offer alternative methods of assessment so that you can select the most appropriate for you.

All RICS members following the ABBE route will need to meet the following requirements to achieve the DEA award:

• Provide evidence of CPD and have a clean disciplinary record.
• Complete 5 Energy Performance Certificates with site notes and photographs.
• Answer a series of questions based on the National Occupational Standards to fill any gaps not covered by the EPCs. You can bring forward EPCs previously prepared as long as you have the supporting documentation.
• Pass a 30 minute examination

We would welcome expressions of interest from members of other professional bodies with experience this field, for example members of NAEA or CIOB. We will also be working with those part qualified home inspectors already registered with our Safe as assessment centre. We will not be offering a training and assessment package for new entrants at this time.

In order to register your interest email our Safe As assessment centre safeasenergy@rics.org. Please include within the email your name, address and membership number or details of relevant professional memberships. All who have registered their interest will be kept fully informed of developments and given advice on what they will need to do.

Ruth Kelly has outlined Government proposals to allow more social housing tenants the right to buy as little as a 10% share in their home.

Click here for more information.

The number of buy-to-let mortgages increased by nearly a half last year, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. The CML's latest figures show that 330 000 buy-to-let mortgages, worth a total of £38.4bn, were taken out in 2006, a 48% increase in volume and 57% increase in value compared to 2005.

In the second half of last year, 178000 loans worth a total of £21bn were taken out, the highest figure since the survey started in 1998.

The total number of buy-to-let mortgages outstanding now stands at around 850000, worth £94.8bn. Since the end of 2005, the number of such mortgages has risen by 21% and their value by 29%.

By value, buy-to-let lending represented 9% of all mortgage balances at the end of 2006, up from 8% in 2005. The proportion of buy-to-let mortgages three months or more in arrears was 0.59% at the end of the second half of the year, compared to 0.89% in the wider mortgage market.

Click here for the full article.

The House of Lords has rejected a move to extend regulation of estate agents to also cover letting agents. The Earl of Caithness proposed amendments to the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill, to revise the definition of estate agency work to include lettings.

The trade and industry minister Lord Truscott said he had concluded that the changes proposed were "not possible under this Bill", which is designed to implement the recommendations outlined in the Office of Fair Trading report on the estate agency market in England and Wales and does not cover lettings. However, he said that the government would continue to monitor the private rented sector.

Although prices continue to rise, the pace of increase has slowed back to June levels.

Click here for more information.

From 1 June 2007, those carrying out Energy Performance Certificates in the context of marketed residential sales must be registered members of a Domestic Energy Assessor Accreditation Scheme.

Similar accreditation for those involved in commercial property energy assessment will follow. RICS will apply to DCLG to run an accreditation scheme to enable RICS members to practice in this market once the Government has issued the necessary Regulations.

RICS will be ensuring that the most streamlined and cost effective route possible is in place for members to practice as DEAs.

We remain in discussion with DCLG over whether any alternative approaches (to a QCA approved qualification) will be acceptable for experienced practitioners to demonstrate their prior achievement.

RICS remains of the view that its members are already "qualified" to practice in this field.

Members may wish to await the outcome of these discussions before signing up for training and assessment; we will keep members informed via e-briefs and the website.

Members who have not yet registered their interest in becoming a Domestic Energy Assessor should do so by emailing our Safe As assessment centre.

All members who have registered their interest will be kept fully informed of developments and given advice on what they will need to do.

The CML and RICS have been working with Asset Skills to new national occupation standard for valuation for Home Inspectors. Home Inspectors with this qualification will be technically qualified to carry out valuations for lenders.

Click here for more information.

Following the succesful roll out of HIPS in an initial six locations across the UK in the final quarter of 2006, the Association of Home Information Pack Providers has announced an additional 12 locations where consumers will soon be able to experience the benefits of packs, ahead of their mandatory introduction in June.

Click here for the full article.

The latest Land Registry House Price index reports that last year ended on a solid note with average increases of 0.7% in December.

Click here for the full article.

In association with National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and Elmhurst Energy, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new training course for Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs). We have designed the course to meet the needs of a range of people including new and intermediate entrants. Because the qualification route for those with residential experience has not been finalised, we are unable to offer courses for experienced residential practitioners at this time.

This is a new and developing area and our training course is offered in good faith. It is based on the assumption that the government will approve the NAEA's award in Domestic Energy Assessment. BlueBox partners cannot accept any responsibility for changes to this initiative because of third party action.

The document sets out several proposed changes to the draft HIPs regulations.

Click here for the full article.

Communities and Local Government (formerly DCLG), has issued a consultation document setting out the role of HIPs in the wider reform of the home buying and selling process, as well as detailing how they intend to ensure the smooth introduction of HIPs on 1 June 2007.

Click here for the full article.

The volume of mortgage repossessions has continued to climb, according to new government figures.

Click here for the full article.

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers says that large numbers of home sellers have opted to have a pack in the areas where it has been trialled since August's announcement of the HIP trials.

Click here for the full article.

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers has launched the above Code prior to the mandatory introduction of packs this June.

Click here for the full article.

Advertising the latest BlueBox Building Services Seminars which aims to help you:

• Build up your knowledge of service systems currently used in the residential sector;
• Objectively assess the condition of systems that balances customer service with the protection of your professional liability, and;
• Produce clear reports for a range of different customers.

This new proposed legislation will apply in England and Wales, as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland with some exceptions and will require estate agents to be members of a redress scheme.

Click here for the full article.

Please find attached the brochure advertising the latest BlueBox Homebuyer Masterclass. Aimed at those practitioners who:

• are progressing towards their qualification (e.g. APC/ATC), or;
• wish to broaden and deepen their skills knowledge and in relation to this popular survey product; or
• want to refresh and review their approach to HSVs

BRE Certification, an independent third party certification body, has been appointed by The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to operate a certification scheme for Home Inspectors. Under this scheme, which is part of the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) in June 2007, Home Inspectors will be employed to prepare Home Condition reports (HCR) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) which will be made available to potential house purchasers.

Click here for the full article.

Based on the successful Home Inspector Training Programme, this revised course now includes modules on residential valuation for mortgages purposes. These will help participants progress towards technical membership of the RICS providing what we think is a more sustainable career in the residential sector than one based on the home inspector diploma alone. BlueBox partners are one of two training organisations who will be delivering the training programme in partnership with Safe as... and if you would like to attend our course please make your preference clear to the Safe as... staff.

Aimed at those progressing through their Home Inspector Diploma, this event will also be of interest for practitioners who want to further develop their inspection skills.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has approved RICS to regulate members in England and Wales who wish to carry out home condition reports as part of UK government's proposed Home Information Pack.

Click here for the full article.

House prices in the areas designated for help under the government's housing market renewal programme have increased by up to more than double in the past two years, according to new figures.

Click here for the full article.

New figures show that the number of mortgage repossession actions is continuing to climb. The Department of Constitutional Affairs figures show that in the third quarter of 2006, 34 626 mortgage possession actions were entered, 15% higher than at the same point last year.

Click here for the full article.

The drive to provide wheelchair accessible housing throughout both the private and public sector is beginning to bear fruit, and new conditions finding their way into planning consents are starting to have effect.

Click here for the full article.

CML urges the government to increase support for mortgage borrowers who fall into payment difficulties, but is it the lenders that should be acting more responsibly?

Click here for the full article.

The Queen's Speech on 15th November contained several Bills that will have an impact on land, property and construction.

Click here for the full article.

CML publishes information on adverse credit mortgages which shows that a material degree of credit rehabilitation does occur within this sector.

Click here for the full article.

Levels of remortgaging have reached their lowest figure for five years according to our latest data. Figures for September show that remortgaging accounted for 30% of the market by value - the lowest figure since August 2001 and down from 42% in September last year.

Click here for the full article.

RICS has written to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the pre-Budget report, likely to be made in early December, asking him to consider seven key issues.

Click here for the full article.

The Bank of England increased official bank rate by 0.25% to 5% in early November. This had been widely expected. Financial markets expect a further 0.25% increase by next spring.

Click here for the full article.

We are unsurprised by the decision of the Bank of England to raise interest rates from 4.75% to 5%. With financial markets expecting at least one more rate rise in the coming year, borrowers must take action to protect themselves if this possibility becomes a reality.

Click here for the full article.

Home sellers to get chance to trial Energy Performance Certificates and Home Information Packs

People in six areas who choose to do so will get an early chance to trial the new Energy Performance Certificates – similar to consumer-friendly fridge ratings – and Home Information Packs (HIPs), which will be launched next year.

Local estate agents will meet representatives from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) in Bath, Cambridge, Southampton, Huddersfield, Northampton and Newcastle upon Tyne over the next few weeks to find out more about the trials and get the chance to sign up to take part. The trials, which will begin on 6 November, aim to:

• understand the impact of HIPS (with and without Home Condition Reports, which will be voluntary elements of the Pack) on the home-buying and selling process;
• identify how we can maximise the take-up of Home Condition Reports to accelerate these benefits;
• determine how to maximise the impact of Energy Performance Certificates on the public's awareness of energy efficiency matters.

The trials will enable the reaction of both buyers and sellers to the packs to be tested on the ground in the run up to mandatory Energy Performance Certificates and Home Information Packs being introduced for all residential sales on 1 June 2007.

As part of the trials there will also be a range of incentives including a limited number of free packs; and packs available at a reduced cost for homeowners who want to try them out.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said: "We need to work together to tackle climate change. Twenty-seven per cent of carbon emissions come from our homes and it's only right homeowners should have information on the energy efficiency of their houses. Residents who want to take part in the trials will be amongst the first to have these facts at their fingertips.
"Home Information Packs have the potential to speed up the home-buying and selling process by providing up-front information to potential buyers. It's vital that we test them properly 'on the ground' so consumers get the best product possible."

Background Notes on Home Information Packs

1. Home Information Packs
   The Government is introducing Home Information Packs in England and Wales on 1 June 2007 and anyone selling a property must provide potential buyers with a Pack. Every Pack will include an Energy Performance Certificate. The Packs will also include information such as searches and other legal documents. A Home Condition Report giving details on the condition of a property can also be included in the Packs on a voluntary basis.
2. Energy Performance Certificates
   An Energy Performance Certificate will provide buyers and sellers with A-G ratings on their homes, similar to fridge ratings, as well as a list of practical measures to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions. By acting on the recommendations listed in the Energy Performance Certificate, the average homeowner is expected to save £300 a year on fuel bills and help to reduce the 27% of the UK's carbon emissions currently generated by our homes.
3. Home Condition Reports
   The Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of the property on which sellers, buyers and lenders will be able to rely legally as an objective and authoritative report.
   Sellers who provide a Home Condition Report will have an early opportunity to carry out repair work on the property or obtain quotes prior to marketing. Potential buyers will be made aware of repairs that they might need to make and fund, or they will be reassured that the property is in good condition, in both cases before they decide to put in an offer. Lenders can also benefit by using the reports to inform their valuations, reducing the need to repeat a detailed on site inspection at the buyer's expense.
   The Government believes there will be significant benefits to home sellers from adding a Home Condition Report to their Packs, including greater certainty about sales being completed more quickly.

AHIPP and DCLG have now announced the dates for meetings to explain what will happen in the "Dry Runs". So for those who wish to be involved then the contact details are provided below. At BlueBox partners we would be pleased to know which of you would like to take part in the "Dry Run". However we have now made the decision not to set up a Certification Scheme at this stage. We believe there is merit in seeing what develops over the next few months.

This, however, does not mean that we are not still active in training – see comments below in association with the Safe as Assessment Centre. It also does not mean that we are not actively pursuing the development of an enlarged panel of valuers who can undertake valuations and surveys. A number of you declared an interest in this before the summer and we will be producing packs of information towards the latter part of this year with some interesting opportunities, which are not reliant on Government policy!

AHIPP/DCLG Launch Events
These are designed to obtain buy in from business in the locations in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and will not take the form of a HIP providers exhibition. HIP providers are encouraged to attend the event as interested business's will have the opportunity to network at the drinks reception and potential home inspectors will also be looking for guidance and opportunities.

Click here for more information about the Launch events.

Launch Dates
Newcastle, 6th November 2006
Northampton, 8th November 2006
Huddersfield, 10th November 2006
Southampton, 13th November 2006
Cambridge, 15th November 2006
Bath, 17th November 2006

On October 2nd, the RICS launched their new route to technical membership for holders of the diploma in home inspection (www.rics.org/hiatc). If you want to become a technical member of the RICS you will have to obtain the following:

• pass the diploma in Home Inspection
• obtain two 'top-up' modules in residential valuation
• 12 months relevant surveying experience
• pass the 'assessment of technical competence' which will include the submission of a summary of experience, three case studies, adequate CPD record and 60 minute final interview.

Technical membership will give access to a greater range of work and so will not be so reliant on home condition reports. In relation to extra costs for those already on the diploma, the RICS have given the following statement on their website:

What will the Safe as... top up valuation module consist of and how much will it cost?
The ABBE top up modules are not finalised, however they are likely to consist of two additional units. The training will be delivered in three units, one day a month over three months with course work in between and will involve an observed assessment. Assessment is likely to require submissions of 10 valuations (including an observed assessment) and an end test, similar to the diploma. Training will be based in Coventry and should go on sale later in October to start in late November. To register your interest email safeas@rics.org

If you are already registered with Safe as, we would hope your existing assessor would be able to assess you in valuation. The cost of training and assessment for Safe as... candidates will be £995 and for non Safe as candidates £1660.

Although some of the details still need to be finalised, BlueBox (in partnership with Safe As) will be offering a revised Home Inspectors Training programme that includes the valuation top-up components. As soon as we have more detail, we will send you an email update.

For more information, visit www.rics.org/hiatc.

Please find attached a copy of the latest Government announcement. Chris Rispin has a meeting with DCLG on Friday afternoon (22nd September) to discuss the various implications of the announcement together with other initiatives; we will relay back the outcome of that meeting as soon as we can.

HIP Programme Timeline at September 2006
Letter to Home Inspectors - Yvette Cooper's Statement on HIPs
News Release - Cooper calls for incentives on the improve home energy ratings

A series of Roadshows will shortly be held by BlueBox partners Ltd featuring Phil Parnham, Martin Hemmings (ERS/NPI) and Chris Rispin. Topics include The Challenge of Self Certified Building Services, Valuations and Equity Release Surveys – A Different Approach for the Elderly.

The Members' Newsletter from the National Association of Licensed Home Inspectors, can now be found in External Publications.

Current Publication: August 2006 edition.

Confirmation from DCLG on what they consider is necessary to progress the introduction of EPC's:

• Energy Performance Certificates will become mandatory as part of HIPs from next June.
• Only those who are fully qualified and certificated will be allowed to prepare Energy Performance Certificates.
• The only qualification that currently exists that will enable the holders to carry out Energy Performance Certificates for Home Information Packs is the Home Inspector qualification.
• DCLG is working with Asset Skills on developing a robust National Occupational Standard to provide a framework for a qualification for energy inspection. We expect this to be available around the turn of the year.
• As agreed at the meeting, DCLG will work with assessment centres to develop an Energy Inspector qualification which trainees could achieve having completed parts of the Home Inspector diploma course. The intention is that this qualification will be available early next year.
• As an interim step, DCLG will work with Asset Skills to identify those parts of the Home Inspector qualification that are likely to be required to enable prospective Home Inspectors to qualify at the earliest opportunity as Energy Inspectors, once that qualification becomes available.
• Others may develop stand alone Energy Inspector qualifications which meet the National Occupational Standard once it is available.
• All Energy Inspectors (and Home Inspectors) will have to be members of an approved certification scheme.
• Whilst those who have completed the relevant parts of their Home Inspector diploma will, once certificated, be able to practice as Energy Inspectors, those who complete the full diploma will have the added benefit of being able to offer their clients the full HCR at the same time.
• We hope to set out in September the steps that we will be taking to facilitate the voluntary take-up of Home Condition Reports. We cannot at this stage estimate what the likely rate of take up will be.

You may be aware that a statement was issued on 18 July 2006 by the Department for Communities and Local Government about revisions to the Home Information Pack programme.

The statement, a letter sent to Home Inspectors from Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper and Questions and Answers on revisions to the programme are provided in the links at the end of this.

In addition, DCLG met representatives of assessment centres last week to discuss implementation of the Home Information Pack programme and in particular the Home Inspector qualification and the arrangements that need to be put in place for Energy Performance Certificates. Following that meeting, DCLG wrote to all assessment centres to clarify the position. This letter is also linked at the end of this newsletter.

We expect to be able to set out our next steps in September 2006. In the meantime, you can keep in touch with developments by visiting our website www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk. You can also find out more about Home Inspector training opportunities by calling the HI enquiry line Tel: Learn Direct on 08000 567 160.

DCLG Statement 18 July 2006.
Letter from Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper to Home Inspectors.
Home Information Packs latest update 30 July 2006, your questions answered.
DCLG letter to Assessment Centres regarding the Home Inspector qualification and Energy Performance Certificates.

Dear Stakeholder

I am writing to tell you that Yvette Cooper has written to trainee home inspectors that have contacted her about last week's statement on the implementation of Home Information Packs and set out the steps that we are taking to follow up the announcement. You might like to be aware of what she has said:

The Minister has explained that we have changed the implementation programme in order to avoid the risks of a "big bang" implementation, which could have created problems for home buyers and sellers. Instead the mandatory elements from next June will be the Energy Performance Certificates, searches and other legal documents. The Home Condition Report (HCRs) will remain part of the Pack, but as an authorised document rather than mandatory item, and we will be doing more testing of Home Condition Reports as part of the dry run.

We are also working with industry to actively promote a market roll out of Home Condition Reports. We believe that there will be significant benefits to home sellers if they top up their HIPs to include full HCRs. The Department is already working with stakeholders to look at ways to support a market-led roll out of full HCRs. Discussions have begun on a wide range of options. We are prepared to invest resources in promoting and developing voluntary take up. As we have already set out, mandatory HCRs remain on the table if the industry fails to make a success of the roll out of HCRs.

This means that from next June we will need something between 2500 and 4500 trained inspectors just to produce Energy Performance Certificates - as well as inspectors needed to meet the demand for voluntary full HCRs, and the trials planned for later in the year.

Further inspectors will be needed to prepare Energy Performance Certificates for rented properties when these become mandatory, at the latest by January 2009.

We will also be working with training and assessment centres, Asset Skills and the Qualification and Curriculum Authority to devise an interim qualification that will enable Home Inspectors to prepare Energy Performance Certificates without having to complete their full qualification. In addition we will be exploring the scope for additional modules to be added to training course to enable inspectors to carry out other roles, possibly including acting as valuers and preparing Energy Performance Certificates for commercial buildings. We expect to say more about the next steps in early September.

Trainee inspectors can keep in touch with developments either by visiting our website www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk or by calling Learn Direct on 08000 567 160.

Yours sincerely,
Neil McDonald, Director of Housing

Baroness Andrew's exact words yesterday were: "The home condition report will remain part of the home information pack, but as an authorised document rather than a mandatory item. There are significant employment opportunities for those in training as home inspectors, and properly trained inspectors will be needed to produce energy performance certificates required for packs. This is in addition to the number of inspectors needed to meet the demand for voluntary full home condition reports."

This does not amount to a statement that only HI's would perform EPCs. We need confirmation on whether that is the case, which we are pushing for.

Baroness Hanham has today revised her prayer against the regulations. As the Government has undertaken to revise the Statutory Instruments the prayer has been changed to a debate tabled as "To ask Her Majesty's Government what is now their policy on Home Information Packs" which will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 11th October. There will not be a vote on this debate. This debate may pressurise the Government to clarify their position but this would be unlikely to constitute a change of Government policy. Expect renewed impetus for headlines that week.

After months of careful research, planning and development, BlueBox partners is pleased to announce the relaunch of its website.

The aim of the redesign is to make the website easier to navigate and to provide helpful and informative content. Through the Latest News section, visitors can keep up-to-date with the latest developments concerning the introduction of Home Information Packs.

I have set out the email from Mike Ockeneden, who is Director General of the Association of Home Information Pack Providers, following on from his meeting with the Minister, he does appear positive about the future. One other aspect that we have pushed for is for a robust Dry Run including an HCR and I will continue to push for that. Reference is made to a letter which I have not seen nor have most of the members and this was by agreement to keep it away from the press as the last thing we need at the moment is more mis-information. David Lane is a key component in the ongoing progress of this intitiative.

Press Release from Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) on the 21st July 2006.

Further update from Allied Surveyors plc.

Press Release from Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) on the 19th July 2006.

As I write this I am listening to the debate in the House on Home Information Packs, which is not that helpful as it is not giving the degree of certainty that we all require. However, it is clear to me that we are not going to get that certainty; we are going to be dependent upon the actions of Industry and therefore this will be one of our principle lines of enquiry.

This note is principally to advise on what we are doing in order to establish our next steps, including our advice to you all regardless of your role in this business.

Chris Rispin is attending the emergency AHIPP meeting on Thursday afternoon to establish what the members of that organisation think, and hopefully to get some indications of what they are proposing to do. However, we seem to be back to a waiting game of seeing who will make the first move.

Chris is also meeting RICS to discuss the status of the Home Inspectors Diploma and how this can be converted into a sustainable qualification. The intention has always been that the Diploma, when allied to a valuation qualification, will produce a very focused and able residential appraiser capable of undertaking Mortgage Valuations, Homebuyer reports and Building Surveys. Therefore, regardless of the outcome, those new entrants that have undertaken the qualification will have a future career. There is certainly a shortage of valuation surveyors.

Joan Davies has already had discussions with MDA, who are backing the HIP production and their view is that it is "Business as Usual" and their software will be designed to include the HCR's.

Chris has also had discussions with DCLG and they are producing various options, but these may take some time. We will keep you updated on those options as they become available.

One feature that has become apparent is that if an HCR is required on a voluntary basis then it will still need to be supplied by a Licensed Home Inspector.

Incidentally the opposition motion was rejected.

Press Release from the RICS, following the announcement from Yvette Cooper on the 18th July 2006.

You will have seen the ministerial statement (18th July) regarding the implementation of HIPs. This came as a complete surprise to BRE as we are sure it was to you.

We are meeting with senior DCLG advisors today (19th July) to obtain clarification regarding the full extent and meaning of this statement with regard to the role of Home Inspectors. We will advise further shortly. BRE remains committed to full implementation of the Home Information Pack including the HCR. Home Inspectors will be key to the delivery of the mandatory Energy Performance Certificate and we strongly believe that market forces and consumer demand will ensure that the HCR remains an important part of the HIP.

Press Release from the National Association of Licensed Home Inspectors, following the announcement from Yvette Cooper on the 18th July 2006.

The news yesterday that the Government has decided to delay the introduction of the HCR within the HIP has obviously caused concern to those that have committed to a very worthwhile cause. The media/opposition will exploit this situation to the maximum just to "rub salt into the wounds".

The fact that so few HI's had qualified was a major factor in Yvette Cooper's decision. It was also considered that new entrants to the market need to be given more time to qualify as so few Chartered Surveyors wanted to take up the opportunity.

However, at this time we have to consult to establish exactly what was intended by the statement and where we go from here. The opposition will claim this is a victory, but do not become disillusioned when there are so many positives.

DCLG has already contacted me to advise that this is merely strategic and want to work out ways of how we can keep up the momentum and keep the support of the trainees. AHIPP feels very strongly that the HCR is fundamental to the pack and as they are made up of the major players in our industry the politicians are to some extent irrelevant. We have the framework and must now make it work.

I already have various meetings planned and want to get a feeling from those that count before advising you of where the next steps are. I genuinely hope it is the lack of support from Chartered Surveyors that is the real reason for this hiccup and not merely the fickleness of politicians. It is extremely disappointing for those of us that have invested heavily, but if the former is the reason then given time we can train a new workforce who can enjoy this new career.

I will keep in contact with information as I know it, but I will want to keep to the facts. In the meantime write to Yvette Cooper at coopery@parliament.uk advising in a polite way (leave the abuse until later) of how you feel. She needs to know the positives!

The Minister for Housing and Planning, Yvette Cooper, today set out further details of the Government's implementation strategy and dry run for Home Information Packs (HIPs).

Movers-Pack have announced a series of free HIP Seminars throughout England & Wales starting this month. If you want to learn more about Home Information Packs or what Movers-Pack can do for you then why not attend a seminar.

For more information visit the Movers-Pack web site.

New research commissioned by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, and reported at a CML seminar on home information packs, reveals how lenders really feel about HIPs.

Click here for the executive summary - Mortgage Lenders, HIPs and the future of valuations.

The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have issued the new Inspection and Reporting requirements – these are the mandatory and advisory guidance for all Home Inspectors and you need to know these to do your HCR's and to take the External Test.

In addition the Mandatory and Preferred paragraphs have been finalised together with a "Look and Feel" HCR. All these documents are available here in our Members Area, and if you would like to read even more then click here Home Information Packs - Certification Scheme.

We have added a link to a publication from Safe as..., the Home Inspector Bulletin.

The Home inspector bulletin is the regular industry update on home inspection and home information packs from the RICS assessment centre for the diploma in home inspection.

You may be aware that on 5th May 2006 the Home Information Pack programme moved from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). This has had very little impact on the HIP Programme and the message for prospective Certification Schemes is "Business as Usual".

We have added a link to the BlueBox partners website so you can access a new publication from RICS, the Residential Property Journal. This will answer a number of useful questions relating to both potential Home Inspectors and those already in training.

The first edition includes a number of useful articles on HIPs and Estate Agents, the difference between The HSV and the HCR, the HCR itself explained, Home Inspector Training and an interview with a recently qualified Home Inspector.

It is our aim to provide you with as much relevant information as possible to help you with your studies, so regular updates will be sent to you. If we can be of any more help please ring us on 0845 260 3500.

Allied Surveyors is an enthusiastic full member of AHIPP and as one the ODPM's "Early Adopters" and having been involved in meetings with the ODPM and politicians for the last 8 years, we have contributed to AHIPP policy. AHIPP is a company limited by guarantee and Robert Bryant Pearson, CEO of Allied Surveyors, has been pleased to accept an invitation to be one of AHIPP's six directors.

In a statement issued on 9th March, Allied Surveyors claimed "A Tory pledge to scrap HIPs would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The underlying principle of HIPs has to be supported. A massive amount of time, effort and money is wasted by purchasers only discovering defects of title or problems with the condition of the property at the last minute. This frustrates the house moving process and the Government has to be applauded for trying to address these issues."

The Conservative Party had claimed that the cost of HIPs will be passed on to first time buyers. Allied Surveyors stated "The housing market simply does not work in such a way that asking prices can be increased just because the seller has had a little further expense: prices are capped by purchasers' ability to pay not by what sellers choose to charge. In fact, first time buyers are the one clear beneficiary group because they are not selling a property and thus they will benefit from a HIP without having to pay for one."

On 22nd March, Shadow Housing Minister, Caroline Spelman came straight from Gordon Brown's Budget Speech to attend a meeting with Robert Bryant Pearson, CEO of Allied Surveyors. Also present were Conservative Peers, Malcolm Caithness FRICS and Joan Hanham. After an exchange of views which lasted more than an hour, Ms Spelman would not be dissuaded from her anti-HIPs stance although there was acceptance of the need for any Government to ensure that they deliver on the Kyoto Accord and thus Energy Efficienct Ratings will be required. Senior Conservatives have since acknowledged that if HIPs are in place at the time of a Conservative victory, it will not possible to try to revert to the current status quo and that measures to improve the way the market works will have to be introduced. Allied Surveyors believe that an incoming Conservative Government would not be able to deny the desire for consumer protection and that purchasers will always need advice about the condition of the property they wish to buy. Thus, if the Tories were elected, Home Inspectors would still be in great demand!

Click here for the Full News Release and the HIPs Timeline.