Introduction of home information packs (HIPs) could be phased in to meet demands of some doubters who are concerned about the housing industry’s preparedness to deal with them.

The government’s housing bill, which contains the HIP proposals, is currently having its second reading in parliament, as coincidentally, a consumer survey shows 82% of people want them.

Housing minister, Keith Hill said that the government was considering a "phased introduction" of the packs and that the government was consulting with housing industry and consumer organisations.

Previously known as sellers' packs, HIPs are a cornerstone of the government’s housing bill.

The proposals would require anyone selling a home to compile information and complete a basic survey of the property for potential buyers. The home information pack would also have to include a home condition report, local searches and an energy efficiency assessment. Under current proposals the home could not be marketed until the report was available.

Speaking yesterday in parliament, Keith Hill defended the introduction of packs but added that they would only be brought in when "…we're fully satisfied that all the conditions are in place to make this a success."

The HIP part of the bill has attracted much opposition, particularly from lawyers and estate agents who fear it will slow the market by stopping ‘impulse’ selling. They argue the proposals will not speed up the house-buying process as the government hopes, and will increase costs to sellers.

Supporters of the packs see that homeowners will not waste buyer’s time by putting their homes on the market speculatively and say the proposals will prevent gazumping and allow consumers to make more informed choices.

Emma Harrison, Senior Public Affairs Officer for the Consumers' Association, said:

"Consumers' Association is urging MPs to support the inclusion of HIPs in the Housing Bill as these information packs will be a huge help to buyers and sellers alike.”

"Far from adding red tape to the buying or selling of a house, the introduction of HIPs will give more security to consumers in what is often an insecure market by providing important information up-front, saving consumers from potentially nasty hidden surprises."

A recent survey by the Consumers' Association, published Monday, shows that 82 per cent of adults in England and Wales think that Home Information Packs (HIPs) would be very useful in the home-buying process and help to ensure that all relevant information is available up-front for prospective homebuyers.