Trials highlight satisfaction with Home Information Packs and buyers acting on energy ratings

Consumers were satisfied with the Home Information Pack (HIP) and are starting to use energy ratings to make their homes greener, according to early testing of HIPs.

Results from research by Ipsos MORI into the HIP area trials reveal that 72 per cent of sellers were satisfied with the HIP, 79 per cent agreed that it contained everything expected, and 81 per cent understood the documents, including their energy rating, from A-G, in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Nearly one third of buyers on examining the HIP planned to carry out recommendations in the EPC to improve the energy efficiency of their home. This would equate to nearly half a million transactions per year in today's housing market where consumers took action as a result of the EPC to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions. Commenting on the news, Chief Executive of the-energy-portal

Stephen Callaghan said: "I welcome the fact that buyers are starting to act on their energy ratings, which could cut a million tonnes of carbon a year as well as helping families with their fuel costs."

Further information

To read the full news release, follow this link: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/713987

The Area Trials report is also available on the Communities and Local Government website.