'The Home Information Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates were implemented on a phased basis and are required for all properties except those continually marketed since before 1 August 2007.

For sellers, providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.

For buyers, the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying, free of charge.

The pack must contain, where appropriate, all the 'Required' documents and 'authorised' documents may be included at the seller’s discretion.

The required documents:
An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
An Energy Performance Certificate
Evidence of title
Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
A sale statement (summarising terms of sale)
Where appropriate: commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)

Where appropriate:
Leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance)
New Homes Warranty
A report on a home that is not physically complete
Where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete
 
The authorised documents:
A Home Condition Report
Guarantees and warranties
Other searches.

Properties that will not require a HIP would be Right-to-Buy properties but any other residential property for sale on the open market will need one in due course.

Although a Home Condition Report is not 'required', you may find that it is a useful marketing tool and could aid the sale of your property.

Further information is available on the Governments website here.