Home information packs are becoming a reality for an additional 12 locations across the UK, a launch event at the House of Lords revealed.

The new areas where home sellers, buyers, agents and legals will get a chance to use Hips before the official launch are: A section of the M4 corridor (to include Reading, Basingstoke and Wokingham); Manchester; Cardiff; Coventry; Hereford and the Marches; Bristol; Leicester; Chelmsford; Nottingham; Plymouth; Liverpool and the Thames corridor (from North Kent and London to South Essex).

Following the successful roll out of Hips in an initial six locations across the UK in the final quarter of 2006, the Association of Home Information Pack Providers have announced an additional 12 locations where consumers will soon be able to experience the benefits of packs, ahead of their mandatory introduction in June.

The roll out will be accompanied by a series of local events in each of the 12 locations and will continue up until June when the packs become mandatory. They will be supported by a number of local businesses in the 12 areas.

Paul Broadhead, deputy director general for AHIPP, said: “This extended roll out will allow a phased implementation of packs, and ensure that industry is fully prepared and committed to deliver the full benefits to home buyers and sellers when the packs become mandatory on 1st June.”

“Take up of packs in the first six areas has been hugely successful, with over 1,000 packs commissioned in the first three months alone. By launching the packs in an additional 12 locations, we will avoid a ‘big bang’ implementation.”

Paul Broadhead emphasised the need for industry to engage in the process before the mandatory date.  By increasing the roll-out, many more will get the opportunity.   “From the 1st June they will not be able to market a property without a Hip and by encouraging early adoption now, it is our ambition that agents will be better informed to assist their customers come the June deadline,” he said.