It's hip to know more

30/07/2007

The process of selling residential property is to change from this week.

From Wednesday, August 1 2007 people selling a house with four or more bedrooms will be required to have a Home Information Pack (HIP) available for inspection by prospective buyers.

One main benefit is buyers will have access to more information about the property’s water and sewerage services included in the CON29DW Drainage and Water Enquiry.

Northumbrian Water’s Property Solutions Manager, David Askew, said:  “We welcome this pack as we believe it will reassure potential property buyers and give them peace of mind.  Information included in the Drainage and Water Enquiry can have a big impact on the desirability of a property.  Potential buyers will now be able to make an even more informed decision.”
 
The CON29DW Drainage and Water Enquiry will confirm:

• if the property is connected to the sewerage and/or water network;
• if the property has a water meter installed and if this will alter on change of occupancy;
• if the property has substantial liability of long lengths of private sewers;
• the location of water and/or sewerage pipes within the property boundary which may impact on property development;
• whether a private sewer is subject to an adoption agreement and the status of the agreement which is crucial information for property purchases in new housing developments;
• if a building over sewer agreement exists;
• location of nearby sewage treatment works – including distance and direction of works;
• the risk of flooding from the sewer network including proposals to alleviate this risk;
• tap water quality analysis and confirmation if the property’s water supply met the prescribed standard;
• tap water pressure and flow information – if the property has low water pressure the report will give details of proposed work to resolve this.

HIPs will also include details of the property’s boundaries, other searches such as a mining search and an energy performance certificate.

For further information about the services Northumbrian Water Property Solutions can provide please contact us on 0870 241 7408.

ends

For further information contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.