Released on = May 17, 2007, 1:30 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = The introduction of home information packs will lead to a
housing market crash, it has been claimed.

Press Release Body = Julian King, director of National Homebuyers says: \"There are
many indicators of a crash already in place; increases in repossessions, continued
interest rate hikes, first time buyers unable to get on the ladder and the
introduction of Hips.\"

National Homebuyers is the UK\'s leading fast purchase property company and King says
they are receiving thousands of enquiries every week from people who are confused
and misinformed about the packs.

\"Because of the fast sale nature of National Homebuyers, we do not require the
vendor to provide a Hip. Although their introduction would be a benefit to our
business, we are concerned about the long-term effects they will have on the
homeseller.\"

According to Paul Smith, chief executive of Spicerhaart Group, the lack of trained
energy assessors means the marketplace will be disrupted as both buyers and sellers
will be subjected to delays.

This could lead to a housing market crash similar to the one in 1991, Mr Smith
speculates.

\"The current legislation is in a mess and will prevent immediate marketing of homes
affecting buyers and sellers alike,\" he said.

\"The mandatory requirement to have a full energy performance certificate in place
prior to marketing will delay the process by weeks, as there are simply not enough
trained energy assessors.

\"Unless the government relaxes this legislation it will have a housing crash on its
hands on the 1st of June.\"

Mr Smith advocates the use of estate agents as temporary energy assessors to provide
an \"interim energy assessment\" - which could subsequently be updated - to ensure
houses can be marketed promptly.

Mr King concludes: \"Selling a property quickly through the draconian estate agency
method is basically impossible. National Homebuyers make a guaranteed offer to
purchase every property surveyed within days and we complete at a time that suits
the vendor. We do not require a Hip and so can speed the house sale process up
dramatically.\"

Further information about National Homebuyers can be found at
www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk/index.asp or by calling their Customer Care Team on
0870 979 8118.

Web Site = http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk

Contact Details = Sterling House
20 Victoria Way
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9NF
08709798118
Fax: 01444 257333
info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk