More than eighty per cent of home-buyers and sellers say the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) is a good idea.

And when asked unprompted what would most improve the home buying process, the top answer given by one in six people who had experienced problems, was that information should be provided up front.

The results of a survey by NOP World, published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister today, are the first in a round of research with the public prior to the introduction by the government of HIPs in 2007.

Housing minister Keith Hill said the research was especially significant, confirming consumers are frustrated with the current home buying and selling process in England and Wales.

"Despite concerns about some elements of the pack, such as the lifetime of the home condition report, the survey shows that 73 per cent of people surveyed spontaneously said the idea of home condition report was a good one," said Mr Hill. "The government is committed to making the home buying and selling process quicker and more transparent through the introduction of home information packs and we will continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure they meet the public’s expectations when they are introduced in 2007."

The NOP World research, which entailed interviewing a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 plus in England and Wales, showed that 81 per cent of the population thought the introduction of the packs was a good idea.

As well as this:

• Thirty per cent of those thought it was a good idea because it would speed up the house buying and selling process
• 24 per cent considered it would be less complicated
• 19 per cent believed they would know more about the condition of the property at an earlier stage, with no surprises
• 12 per cent thought the packs would result in fewer transactions falling through.

Nick Stace, director of campaigns, Which? who welcomed the research and supports the introduction of HIPs said, "The findings of the government's survey backs Which?'s and shows that home-movers overwhelmingly welcome home information packs.