AHIPP advises Hips despite mortgage broker opposition
Mortgage Brokers - 15/08/2006 15:08:15
A national association has announced that home information packs (Hips) will still be available as a voluntary service, despite mortgage brokers, lenders and estate agents remaining unconvinced by the scheme.
Government officials recently announced a u-turn on the project with the home condition report being made voluntary but the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has revealed that its members will still advise buyers and sellers to take advantage of the Hips scheme.
AHIPP deputy director general Paul Broadhead said: "Many appear to have forgotten that Hips were introduced to assist in providing a more efficient and effective home buying and selling process for the consumer.
"We are confident that despite the government's recent floundering the roll out will be a success."
However, recent research by UCB Home Loans has shown that mortgage brokers remain strongly opposed to the proposals, with many believing that the scheme should be dropped.
This was reiterated by estate agent Savills which said that Hips without home condition reports made less sense than when they were included as standard.
According to the UCB figures, two thirds of mortgage brokers had made no preparation for the arrival of scheme.
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