A Home Information Packs (or HIP) is a set of documents provided by the seller to the buyer that provides important compulsory and optional information about the property such as: HIP index, new property information questionnaire, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sale statement, evidence of title, standard searches and copy of lease (if leasehold). It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and a property cannot be sold without one -from 6 April 2009 must be available from the first day your property is marketed. The seller is responsible for the cost which can vary so shop around.