Guild slams Hips

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Text Box: Following on from a recent survey of it’s 666 members, the Guild of Professional Estate Agents has added to the growing chorus of criticism aimed at the proposed new HIPs regime. According to Guild managing director Malcolm Lindley, the survey revealed that HIPs fail to address the real reasons for delay and abortive transactions - long chains, lack of finance, nit picky solicitors, and plain changes of mind on the part of buyers and sellers. In addition, Mr Lindley cited factors that would deter people from selling their homes, such paying “up-front” for the packs, and unfavourable home condition reports. In a report carried by Estate Agency News, Mr Lindley is quoted as saying “I am frankly appalled at what is being allowed to happen”. He went on ; “The Government appears at the very least to be totally unmoved by the likely effect of this legislation on traditional local agents.

“Sandwiched on the one hand between the big corporates — who are already geared up for HIPs, and are positively rubbing their hands at the prospect — and, on the other, private sellers, to whom the pathetic £200 fine will give the green light for avoiding HIPs altogether — small independents face a truly grim prospect.

“All in all, this survey of Guild members adds up to a damning indictment of the entire HIPs project.

“Egged on by the pack provider industry - the only people who are actually going to get anything out of HIPs - the authorities seem happy to preside over what is looking more and more like a cull of small independent agents.”
However, and not withstanding their severe reservations, Mr Lindley was clear that the introduction of HIPs would not catch the Guild on the hop. “We may object, and do so vehemently, but we would be failing in our duty to our members if we didn’t at the same time ensure that we are in a position to offer them a fully competitive HIPs solution — one that will keep them out of the clutches of the corporate providers. We as independents need to take care of ourselves — but time is fast running out.”

Guild Slams Hips