Arguments against the HIP vary, but no-one has argued that the principle of providing information for prospective buyers is a bad one. If GS thinks the HIP has the wrong information in it, then why not argue for the right information? Some have argued that it failed once the HCR was omitted … why not re-introduce it if that would help?

The Tories accept that the whole system needs reviewing. This demonstrates that they don’t know how things should be improved, just that they should. If they accept that change is required, but don’t know what that change should be, why on earth are they making the changes that they accept they don’t understand? Surely a review is required before a change, not after it (GS’ own staff admit this is absurd).

Anyway, what’s done is done. The industry will demonstrate that there’s a better alternative that the HIP could have been developed into – many of us have been working on it for some time. We will end up with the right product – Grant Shapps has just ensured that it will be done in the most disruptive way possible, with lives ruined and businesses destroyed. He has also, quite possibly, triggered the start of the 2nd part of the double dip house price crash. What a great way to start the new parliament – well done Grant!

Fact is that the HIP’s on both the house I purchased and sold last year were read by no potential purchasers and the information in them not relied upon by either conveyancers!!