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Your latest comments were published here and also here. However, as you left exactly the same comments on approximately 3 or 4 separate articles, one post was chosen which we felt was most appropriate to the content of your comments.

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It is easy to pontificate about PIQ’s as a concept,the government didn’t intend to this, buyers wont that and so on. The bottom line is that vndors are now making contractural representations irrespective of whether the PIQ is signed or not (the first thing a lawyer will do is ask the vendors solicitor if the answers in the PIQ are accurate).

These and other issues have been raised in the media by a number of parties. The PIQ marks a fundamental change – watch this space.

PIQ’s are required in relation to Home Information Packs, they go hand in hand now. No property can be marketed without a HIP unless they are exempt from HIP regulations in some regard.

The questions are intentionally quite generic, some of the media are making issues where there need not be. If it is a new home and has no problems with dry rot, answer the question and move on to the next.

The PIQ form could of had a seperate section applicable to new homes only but i believe the intention was to keep it as simple as possible.

The property information questionnaire does not prevent selling ‘off plan’ for developments, though slightly different forms such as the Predicted energy assessment (PEA)and Sustainability information must be included.

For agents it is important to remember the PIQ is intended to be completed by the owner which maybe the developer in your case. If an estate agent helps the seller to complete the PIQ then the provisions of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 may apply.

If you are still unsure about how to proceed you could ask CLG for further guidance or possibly your local trading standards office.

Further information on Home Information Pack changes can be found here.

I hope this helps a little.

If the questions relate to the finished article, then can I sell off plan?

It seems to me that this is a very poorly thought out questionairre, my 9 yr old could have come up with better and more relevant questions. I’m confused and I can’t see an explanation on any of the consultation documents as to whether this should be completed now, as we are beginning to sell, or upon completion when frankly its’ too late anyway.

I’ve got better things to do than waste time looking for the answers buried somewher on the web so wouold appreciate your help please.

Many thanks

We have checked the links and they are working fine. You should click the link and when the download box appears, either open or save the file. It maybe settings on your PC not allowing downloads.

From our experience some solicitors are amending their practice and fees to reflect the work already carried out and in place due to HIPs, some of course are not.