The new government has suspended Home Information Packs (HIPs) with immediate effect.

However, the energy performance certificate (EPC) will remain, being a requirement under EU law.

Lee Watts, managing director of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, was ‘delighted by the decision, calling it “long overdue.”” He added: “”[HIPs] were ill conceived and badly implemented and only served to increase the cost to sellers of moving home and deter some homeowners from putting their houses up for sale.””