Enough assessors available for introduction of HIPs

A survey of 10 training and assessment centres for Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) shows that there will be in excess of 3,500 trained and accredited operatives by June 1st.

Previous reports suggested that up to 7,500 energy assessors may be needed when the packs become necessary for home sellers in the summer.

This figure became redundant on 18th July last year when Home Condition Reports (HCRs) were made voluntary, yet has been used erroneously and irresponsibly by some parties on a number of occasions recently. In fact, around 2,500 full time assessors will be needed by June.

The training and assessment centres surveyed have told that there will be at least 1,130 Home Inspectors and over 2,400 DEAs ready to undertake inspections for June.

The AHIPP survey did not include statistics from ‘Safe As’ the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) training and assessment centre which can be expected to significantly supplement these numbers.

With the number of DEAs qualifying the Government should seriously consider brining forward the implementation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for rented properties and social housing. Furthermore the cost of a pack has frequently been mis-reported as being up to £1,000 but again this is an erroneous figure, designed to galvanise opposition to the packs.

The actual HIP price will be between £300 - £400, inclusive of the cost of an EPC, in some cases regardless of whether the title is registered or unregistered.

Home Information Packs will be introduced on June 1st.