| |
Major Site Upgrade in Progress |
 |
|
 |
|
Shahla
Money Managing Guru
Joined: 13 Nov 2004
Posts: 3324
Cash Points ££ 126163.28
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 11:02 pm Post subject: Hips on the rack? |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The looming introduction of home information packs (Hips) will no doubt have had many property investors and landlords scratching their chins and wondering whether they would cost more than they could possible save.
While the packs might be a welcome boost for landlords looking to expand their portfolio, those aiming to sell off a few properties could have regarded them as one extra headache.
Now, however, the government has announced that the much-maligned Hips will be postponed until August 1st 2007 at the earliest - a decision which has been greeted with open arms and derision in equal measure.
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) - the members of which are responsible for 98 per cent of residential mortgage lending - has urged the government to take a long hard look at Hips before deciding whether they really are the best measure to reform a home buying process that leaves many first-time buyers grasping at thin air when trying to get a foothold on the slippery property ladder.
While cautiously supporting the energy performance certificate, the body's director general Michael Coogan warned that the industry is now more doubtful than ever as to the likelihood of their success, if introduced.
"This cannot be an appropriate way to make policy," he remarked.
"With the fundamental lack of confidence that now exists in them [Hips], we urge the government to ditch the gold-plating and concentrate on better ways of delivering its objectives."
However, the CML criticism pales in comparison with the stinging barbs which have come the government's way from Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com. The finance expert accused the government of adding "confusion to chaos" and called for it to "scrap the whole concept" of Hips.
"Since watering down the legislation it has become nothing but a political slurry and the most unsupported piece of legislation I have known," said Ms Cuming.
The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp), on the other hand, has officially registered its "utter disappointment" that the legislation will not come into force as planned. Having been a stalwart supporter of the packs throughout the criticism and raised eyebrows they have faced, Ahipp's director general Mike Ockenden claims that it is consumers and the environment who will pay the cost of the government's delay.
According to Mr Ockenden, the packs would have been a great boost to both those involved in the buying and selling processes, with further time and money to be wasted until they are implemented.
So whether landlords are for or against the packs, it seems the inevitability of one eventually having to deal with them in some regard may just have become a lot less so. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Online Finance Tools & Calculators |
 |
| Credit Score Calculator |
Easy to use online Credit Scoring tool - Calculate your credit score now online for FREE ! using the Moneyforums.co.uk credit scoring tool. Also TEN Tips on improving and mainting a good credit rating ! |
|
| Quick Health Calculator |
Easy to use quick health calculator to help you get started on the path to fitness. Calculates your body mass index (BMI). |
|
| "When will I die ?" Calculator |
Calculate when will you die based on your current life style and then more importantly what you can do about extending your lifespan ! |
|
| Mortgage Calculator |
Easy to use online Mortgage calculator tool - Calculate how long it will take to pay off your mortgage and what your monthly repayments will be as well as interest charged per month per each year. |
|
| Savings Calculator |
Use the flexible savings calculator to estimate the amount of interest you would earn given a level of monthly savings, with many optional settings. |
|
| UK Tax Calculator |
Check your tax and NI liability using this easy to use online tool. Outputs, Tax, Ni, Net pay and gross pay on an annual, monthly and weekly basis, also estimates your tax burden and the number of days a year you work for the tax man ! Plus lots of tax saving tips. |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Money
Forums Guides |
|
| Credit
Card Stoozing |
The
following guide explains the basics of credit
card stoozing in a step by step basis. |
|
| Discount
Vouchers |
Online
discount vouchers giving upto
50% off in stores such as Dixons,
Tesco, Avon, Currys, Boden and more. Many
of the vouchers are time limited - So check
back regularly |
|
| Money
Saving Guide |
Guide
to saving money on household bills & personal
finances - Start saving thousands of £'s
every year TODAY ! |
|
| Savings
Tree |
A
guide to Savings Accounts, from Cash ISA's to
Regular Savers to Premium Bonds, all explained
in an easy to understand manner. |
|
|
Users
Groups | Profile
| Messages
| FAQ | Sponsers
& Links | Member
list | Recommend this site | Top Money Saving Sitee
© 2004 - 2007 Moneyforums.co.uk / Market Oracle Ltd - Asserts copyright on all topics & posts made on this site. Moneyforums are open forums, and thus posts are NOT endorsed by Moneyforums.co.uk / Market Oracle Ltd . Any and all information provided within the Website is for general information purposes only and nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or other advice. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you purchase any product and/or service. All tools and guides are provided as is for general information purposes only.
|
|
|
