Anyone who chooses TBI to supply their HIP will automatically be entitled to a discount on their fixed-fee conveyancing, and will also benefit from a range of other services including text updates on the progress of their sale.

TBI Solicitors, one of the north east's leading full-service legal practices, has recently begun providing HIPs or ‘sellers packs'. With offices in Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees, Wynyard Park and Barnard Castle, sellers throughout the Tees Valley can now benefit from the firm's local expertise. In addition, by instructing an independent solicitor to prepare the documents, clients are free to choose the most suitable estate agent and maintain access to the HIP should they choose to change agent.

The HIPs, which are on average about 60 pages in length, can be emailed or made available securely online, offering a greener alternative to printing a full copy for each potential buyer.

Jacqui Foley, conveyancer at TBI Solicitors, said: “Unless you sell privately, you will now need a HIP, whatever the size of the property you are putting on the market.

“Many people are not fully aware of what the HIP involves and for this reason they are initially slightly daunted. By using TBI they can be confident that the HIP is legally compliant and that the same professional team is available to complete the conveyancing. The discount ensures that the complete package is available at an extremely competitive rate.”

In January 2008, the Law Society announced the launch of a media campaign to reinforce the message that it is advisable to use a solicitor when preparing a HIP. By employing a solicitor to handle the HIP, the seller is assured that the pack will be fully compliant with the new legislation.

The government initially introduced HIPs or Home Information Packs for all properties of four bedrooms or more which were put on the market from August 1, 2007. In September this was extended to three bedroom properties, and since December 14 every property has required the set of documents. The pack must contain a number of specified documents including an energy-efficiency assessment report.