Is a HIP payable for a property that was withdrawn from the market?

Question

I put my two bed flat on the market and soon later changed my mind about selling it. The estate agent is now insisting that I pay them for the HIP which came as part of the commission. I withdrew my property from the market b4 a HIP survey was carried out and I don't understand why I should then pay for a task that was not carried out. Do you think they are trying to rip me off?

Answer 1

1. If a HIP was prepared, ask for a copy. The HIP must relate to your property, not a general one for the flats in the block.

If the surveyor spent time producing the document, you have to pay him.

2. If the agent cannot produce the document, then there's nothing to pay.

3. Don't give the agent too much time to produce the document, I suggest 24 hours max.

Answer 2

If the HIP was not carried out, I fail to see how they can charge. I would also checking with your solicitor.

Answer 3

Are you sure the HIP wasn't carried out?  The reason I say this is because since the HIP's were introduced it is now illegal to market a property without the HIP so it technically should not have been possible to advertise your property without having a HIP in place?  Also, if there is a HIP unfortunately you will still have to pay for it, I know because I removed my property and was still charged for it!!  Very annoying!!

Answer 4

Agents come up with cute ways of recouping their costs.  They figured that you wasted their time (you did) and they want to get something. /

Answer 5

No they're not tryin to rip you off.

you are required by law (thank you Mr Blair) to have a HIP when you put the property on the market.  regardless of whether you actually find a buyer, or whether you change your mind.

The agent will have instructed the HIP for you, and you will still have to pay.  Check the terms of your marketing agreement with the Agents, just to be certain, but they are probably quite legitimate in invoicing you for this.