Response to CLG query

A query was sent through to Communities & Local Government (CLG) regarding the rollout of EPCs to 1 and 2 bedroom properties and the following response was received:

As set out in the implementation plan that was published on 11 June we said we would take account of the lessons learnt from the operation of HIPs.

Clearly we are at a time of unusual market conditions. We have been in a period of increasing interest rates and concerns about the sub prime lending market.

Against this background it is to be expected that property owners will think twice about putting their properties on the market and this is what we have seen.

We also know that a number of property owners have advanced the listing of their properties in order to avoid the need for a HIP. As a consequence, the number of properties coming on the market following the introduction of HIPs is artificially depressed. This is a time limited effect and we are closely monitoring this variation in listings for both four and three bedroom properties.

Once we are clear that we are through this period of adjustment, we will roll out to the rest of the market.

Kind regards

HIP Enquiries