First time homebuyers will see their upfront costs drop and all home buyers will receive A-G green ratings for their properties, with the roll out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) announced today.

Buyers whose homes score poorly with energy ratings of F or G will receive an offer of a discount or free help with energy efficiency measures from the Green Homes Service which will be established, helping save hundreds of pounds off fuel bills, as announced by the Prime Minister this week.

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HIPs already cover 60 per cent of the market. The Government has announced the rollout of HIPs and EPCs to the rest of the market from December 14 this year, as the criteria set out for roll out on 11 June have now been met.

House hunters will get detailed information about the energy efficiency of their home with a green rating of A-G, similar to consumer friendly fridge ratings, in an EPC.

The final stage of the roll out follows careful analysis of how HIPs and EPCs have been working in order to maintain their smooth introduction into the housing market.

The extension of HIPs to all properties will particularly benefit first time buyers through a reduction in their upfront costs by not having to pay for a pack, helping them in getting a foot on the housing ladder.

The packs are already beginning to bring benefits to consumers with average property search costs starting to fall with the new competition from HIPs - 85 local authorities have already reduced their charges by £30 on average.

(JM)