A puzzled correspondent asks, “Is the HIP system still coming in next week on August 1st?”

Good question. Things have been so quiet on this front lately that would-be home sellers and purchasers could be forgiven for thinking the Government had forgotten all about it.

Home information packs were originally meant to become compulsory for all properties on the market after June 1, but then they were postponed.

In fact, HIPs are still due to be introduced on August 1, and anyone attempting to sell a four-bedroomed or larger house in England or Wales after that will need to provide one.

The pack has to contain copies of the title deeds, any recent planning permission or building consents on the property, guarantees for any work done on it, a local area search and an energy performance certificate.

The Government’s plan, apparently, is that once more assessors are trained, HIPs will also be required for smaller properties.

But it hasn’t set a date for this, so don’t hold your breath.