The decision to introduce Home Information Packs (Hips) is the Government's response to complaints from property buyers and sellers that the present system is inefficient, wasteful and slow.

From 1 June home owners, or whoever sells on their behalf, must have a Hip ready when the property goes on the market and give copies of the pack to prospective buyers who request them.

The Government says Hips will ensure important information is provided up front at the very start, and electronic conveyancing will speed up the transaction once a sale has been agreed.

The Government's initial plan for the packs included a detailed inspection of the property with a full report on all aspects of its condition, but owing to a lack of fully trained inspectors the original plan has been diluted to an energy efficiency report along with some documentation that would have become available to buyers further along the buying process.

The Energy Efficiency Report will give all properties a rating, similar to that found on fridges and light bulbs, and will include information on how to improve insulation. The rest of the pack will consist of an index of contents; a sale statement (a document detailing the properties location and ownership); evidence of title; and searches and leasehold/commonhold documents (or proof that these have been commissioned). It is not anticipated that these will take long to acquire but they are seen in some quarters as an additional obstacle in the way of people wanting to move.

Bruce Hyland, who has more than 20 years experience in the building trade, is one of the newly appointed inspectors in the Brighton area. He expects the inspections to take about half a day with another half a day spent preparing and writing the report. A full Home Condition Report would cost in the region of £500 - £600 for an average home but the Energy Efficiency Report is expected to cost around £150.

If you are planning to sell your house, now could be a very good time. In less than five weeks all homes being marketed will need a Home Information Pack (HIP). In fact it will be a criminal offence to market a property without one whether it's a private sale or being sold through an estate agent.

Hugh Tucknott, president of the Brighton and Hove Estate Agents Association said most agents are expecting a busy time in May as home owners rush to put their properties on the market before June 1, followed by a slowdown as sellers get used to commissioning the reports which he believes will only involve a four or five days. With increases in interest rates in the pipeline there are other things on buyers' and sellers' minds that are likely to have a greater effect on the property market.