High Street Solicitors ‘must take action now to protect conveyancing business’

· HIPs mean independence at risk
· Solicitors must grasp the nettle now

High Street solicitors are risking their independence if they fail to act now to prepare for the introduction of Home Information Packs – not wait until 2007. This is what Rob Hailstone, chief executive of Hipag Services, will be telling visitors to Law 2006 to be held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 14-15 June 2006. Hailstone will be chairing the conference session on ‘Residential property law and conveyancing update’ to be held on Wednesday 14 June at 9:30.

‘Although there is still a year to go before HIPs become compulsory, there is no time at all for high street solicitors to act to protect their conveyancing business,’ says Hailstone. ‘When major corporate players like supermarket chain ASDA enter the market offering free HIPs, it’s time for the legal profession to sit up and take notice. In my view, solicitors practices need to act now to protect their independence – not wait until next year.’

‘Consumers will be the target of Government advertising later this year. They will be asking legal questions on HIPs that only solicitors can answer and they will be asking them soon. Solicitors need to grasp the nettle in order to put themselves ahead of the game.’

‘Although the contents of the Home Information Pack are defined by legislation, not all HIPs will be the same. We have gone to far greater lengths than any other HIP supplier to ensure that our Packs really do deliver the Government’s objectives of greater transparency, less waste and a less stressful experience for property buyers and sellers.’

Hipag is the only HIP supplier, which actively brings together independent estate agents and High Street solicitors practices to provide a local HIP solution based on the unique relationships and strengths of local businesses.

The Hipag HIP contains a short summary of the legal contents of the pack written in layman’s language so that the buyer, seller and the estate agent are clear about the search and title deed information that the pack will provide in detail.

Hipag Members will also gain access to a Fast-Track HIP service, aiming to provide up to 50 per cent faster turnaround of packs in special cases, attractive funding options including deferred payment, simple but fast online ordering and HIP tracking using Hipag’s In-house, fully equipped HIP production unit. Hipag HIPs will be bespoke, made to measure packs and can be delivered electronically as .pdf files or on CD or memory stick. Hard copy delivery will also be available, personally branded, and comprehensive warranties and insurance will be available to Members.

Solicitors who would like a sample pack can register at the Hipag Stand at Law 2006 and find out more about membership at the same time.

Says Rob Hailstone, ‘We are about to begin trials of our HIP shortly. The Trials will be conducted with Member firms of Hipag – solicitors, estate agents, and future Home Inspectors -- who will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and provide feedback on the most effective methods of operation in the processes of HIP production, collation and distribution.’