Released on = August 20, 2007, 6:58 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Homeowners looking to sell their property can expect to fork
out even more money for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) than was first
expected.

Press Release Body = With Home information packs (Hips) having become a mandatory
part of the home selling process yesterday (August 1st), anyone wishing to sell a
home that has four or more bedrooms needs to stump up for the EPC.

However, just one day in and initial price estimates have been surpassed, with The
Hip Exchange reporting an average price of £150.

The Hip Exchange brings house sellers and Hip providers together and the website\'s
founder, Henry Pryor, said that the first day of business was very busy.

\"We had about 400 visitors to the site on the first day with requests for half a
dozen Hips and EPCs across the country,\" he said.

\"Nearly a dozen bids from our panel of over 1,000 suppliers for an EPC required in
north Wales have got to £150.\"

Worryingly for homeowners who want to sell their property without forking out around
£450 for a Hip and EPC, Mr Pryor also hinted that a full-scale rollout of the scheme
is not far off.

\"We understand that three-bed properties will be included from September although we
await confirmation from the Secretary of State,\" he added.

Julian King of National Homebuyers confirms: \"The roll-out is not far away.

\"Hips have already distorted the market, insofar as we have received thousands of
enquiries from people who are looking to sell their property before the introduction
of Hips in June and August.

\"Hips are a stumbling block for many that are either unwilling or unable to pay the
fee.\"

National Homebuyers, the UK\'s leading fast property purchase firm, that deals with
the quick sale of properties from homeowners needing a quick sale says repossession
will become part of everyday life.

Web Site = http://www.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