"Grant Shapps has recently reiterated his intention to "scrap" Hips. What he hasn't said publicly, is whether he will amend or replace them. However, the Conservatives have made it clear that they want to improve the home buying and selling process. It is therefore, highly unlikely that Mr Shapps will allow us to go back to the home buying and selling process, as it was, pre Hips.
"When the Conseravatives held their own home buying and selling review last year it was made clear to them, by Owen Inskip and Kirstie Allsopp, that whatever format the Hip eventually takes, providing 'information up front' will be essential. As an ex conveyancer I believe we should build on the developments made over the last few years so that creating a property legal pack, that is as 'exchange ready' as possible, should become standard practice.
"It has to be accepted that the political situation is not as clear as it was a while ago, the Conservatives winning with a safe majority is not a forgone conclusion. Mr Shapps might not even become Housing Minister and scrapping Hips will probably be way down the Conservatives 'to do' list, after Afghanistan, the economy, health, education etc. Some pundits now forecast a March election but it would appear that the safe money is still on an election in May.
"Whatever the outcome politically, I believe that Hips will either be with us for a while or any worthwhile replacement pack will still require the involvement of a good Hip provider and a local solicitor/conveyancer."
For what it is worth, I agree completely!
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