Results from recent Home Information Pack area trials have revealed that 72 per cent of sellers are satisfied with the HIP. Over 79 per cent of consumers questioned agreed that the pack contained everything that they expected, and 81 per cent were able to understood and make use of the documents.

The report went on to highlight possible areas of improvement. Around 58 per cent of buyers stated that they would have liked to have had the opportunity to see the Home Information Pack earlier in the process. However, agents were either not showing the packs or providing them too late to consumers to make a difference, according to the findings. Out of the 40 per cent of buyers who saw the HIP last year in the trials, half viewed it after they made an offer on their property.

Buyers have also begun to act upon the findings of the recently introduced Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Nearly one third of buyers on examining the HIP planned to carry out recommendations in the EPC to improve the energy efficiency of their home. This would equate to nearly half a million transactions per year in today's housing market where consumers took action as a result of the Energy Performance Certificate to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:

"Consumers are already benefiting from the introduction of HIPs. Search costs are falling as a result of increased transparency in the market, energy ratings can help people to reduce fuel bills, and first time buyers are receiving important information about their home for free.

"I welcome the fact that buyers are starting to act on their energy ratings, which could cut a million tonnes of carbon a year as well as helping families with their fuel costs.

"However, what is clear from the trials is that more buyers wanted to see the HIP but it was not always made available to them. That's why we have taken action to increase awareness of the consumers' right to see a HIP and to remind agents of their responsibility to provide the pack."