The results of this one were pretty clear - 61 per cent said yes, they would, while 39 per cent said they wouldn't.
This suggests that many homeowners would be willing to rebel against HIPs when/if they are introduced for four-bed houses in August.
Are we about to see a surge in the number of 'three bed' houses, a slump in the number of four bed houses and an attempt by Government inspectors to keep tabs on people's bedrooms? This has farce written all over it, and looks like an Ealing Comedy in the making.
From the thousand plus responses we received, 578 took the trouble to provide an explanation. Here's a sample of the main reasons:
1. If you advertise as 3 bed plus study, no doubt the agents will fill in the details for the buyers wanting a 4 bed. Please don't shout about this loophole or the Government might close it.
2. I would advertise my property as a property with 11 reception rooms and no bedrooms - just to catch even the 'thickest' buyer. The HIP as it stands should be abandoned forthwith. And the EPC should be introduced but only to comply with EU regulations that there shuld be a new assessment every 10 years rather than every time a property changes hands.
3. Whilst I would not call a 4th bedroom a study, I might be tempted to call it a ‘Play Room’. However, I do not think that either option would stand up to scrutiny!
4. Absolutely ridiculous situation. Another example of an incompetent Government, and if they have any sense they should scrap it altogether. Why should anyone who owns a period property (- grade I, grade II, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian) who subsequently receives a poor energy-efficiency rating be penalised financially - any prospective buyer would surely use the Hips report as a bargaining tool to lower the price.
Also, why draw the line at 4 bedrooms? What's the thinking behind that? If house size is the issue surely it should go on square footage. There are plenty of 2 bedroom penthouses that have a larger square footage than many 4 bed semis. The whole thing is a fudge - not surprising though from this lot.
5. Another Government scheme due for failure. Our house will have to be marketed as a 3 bedroom house with 2 studies, 5 sitting rooms, and 2 naughty boy rooms!
1. It is important to get the system up and running with the minimum of fuss and delay. HIPs are the best way forward to smooth the house buying/selling process in the future.
2. The sale value given to a 4 bedroom house should outweigh a 3 beds plus study. If this is the case then I would advertise as a 4 bed.
3. It isn't rocket science to decide whether a room is a bedroom or not. If it is big enough to have a single bed in it, it's a bedroom! I have no idea what the fuss is about! The packs would be beneficial to all as everyone would have one. It's just a shame that it will only be four bedroom properties for the time being.
4. Once again this debacle demonstrates the complete incompetence of this Government to develop a policy properly and then implement it. In principle I cannot see too much wrong with the idea providing that both parties in a property deal benefit. It could be a golden opportunity to regularise the procedure thus preventing some of the unsavoury practises exercised by agents and avaricious buyers and sellers.
5. I don't understand why everyone is so down on HIPs. This way you pay once (for the house you sell) and can get info on any number of potential purchases without incurring any costs. Surely the only people who will lose money are solicitors etc who make a fortune out of buyers?
