We are increasingly being contacted by prospective property sellers who are keen to find out how the new Home Information Pack (HIP) legislation process could affect them.

We have been amazed at how many people have told us that their conversations with other agents have been met with blank stares and ignorance of the whole issue! It seems that the confusion and controversy over the admittedly hastily-drafted piece of legislation has prompted many estate agents to simply bury their head in the sand and hope for the best!

In my view this is simply not good enough, and is a shining example of how important it is to choose the right agent to sell your property if you are to receive good advice and stay on the right side of the law.

I have made it my business to ensure that our staff are fully up to speed with all the latest developments so that our clients in turn can be confident that they are working in partnership with a comprehensively appraised estate agency whose standards, service and advice is the very best available in the area.

HIPs are designed to make the buying and selling process more transparent, easier, faster, cheaper and more reliable. Whilst there have been some technical issues which are being addressed (for example a temporary shortage of Domestic Energy Assessors) I am convinced that they will indeed achieve this aim, particularly when combined with the service of a passionate agency who shares these objectives.

If you are currently deliberating whether or not to sell before or after the 1st June HIP implementation date, or would simply like advice as to the requirements of the new legislation, please feel free to call Lee James Pendleton on 020 7223 8000 and I would be delighted to put your mind at rest.