Released on = June 28, 2007, 6:38 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = The extent to which home information packs (Hips) are
distorting the housing market - despite not yet being introduced - has been
highlighted by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

Press Release Body = A survey by the body found housing stock surged in May as
homeowners prepared for the roll-out of Hips, only to subsequently find that their
planned implementation was to be delayed until August 1st - and even then in a
diminished capacity.

However, NAEA president Stewart Lilly believes sellers will continue their attempts
to achieve a fast property sale before August 1st in order to avoid having to pay
for the cost of a pack - whether one is needed or not.

\"As predicted there was a huge surge of properties being placed onto the market in
May by sellers who were keen to dodge the Hips legislation,\" he said.

\"Even with the announced delay, agents still found that properties were being placed
on their books at a fast pace.

\"I feel that this will still be the case throughout June and may continue into July
in anticipation of the new, watered down launch date of August 1st.\"

As a result of the increase in supply, homeowners are having to wait longer to sell
their houses and are also being forced to drop their prices, the NAEA reports.

Julian King, director of National Homebuyers says government indecision over Hips
has caused homeowners to be confused.

\"The lack of clarity and 11th hour u-turn has caused confusion in the market. Only
five per cent of enquiries to National Homebuyers are aware of the basics of Hips.

\"Although National Homebuyers does not require a Hip in order for a homeowner to
sell their property to us, we have been inundated with enquiries from people who are
seeking a quick sale of their property, even though their property will not require
a Hip from 1st August.\"

National Homebuyers is the UK\'s leading fast purchase property firm, guaranteeing to
make a cash offer to buy any property quickly for vendors who need a quick sale. The
company also pay for legal fees and can arrange an equity release solution, sell and
rent back, allowing the homeowner to release capital in their property without the
need to move out.

A Hip is not required when selling to National Homebuyers.

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

Contact Details = Sterling House
20 Victoria Way
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9NF
0870 979 8118
Fax: 01444 257333
info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk