Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales will require a HIP. All new houses placed on the market from 6 April 2008 will also require a HIP.

The Energy performance Certificate is a mandatory document to be included in the HIP and the Home Condition Report is an approved document that can be included in a HIP.

http://www.home-information.info/20071214/index.cfm
PROGESS Newsletter, an industry update on Home Information Packs

Buyers whose homes score poor energy ratings of F or G (currently around one-fifth of all homes) may receive an offer of a discount or free help with energy efficiency measures from the Green Homes Service which will be established, helping to save hundreds of pounds off fuel bills.
Issue 27 : 14 December 2007

Read more on these sites.

http://www.foremanlaws.co.uk/Default.aspx?sID=18&cID=57&ctID=43&lID=0

An article on Sustainability Certificates by Foreman Laws Solicitors 17 March 2008.

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Information and advice on how you can be more energy efficient in your home.

http://www.homecheck.co.uk/

A guide to environmental, planning and neighbourhood information

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

Find out about flood risk, polution, conservation and more.

http://www.hpa.org.uk

For links to information on the prevalence of Radon gas in your area.

http://www.nethouseprices.com/

For information on house prices in your area.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

For information and advice on conservation and listed buildings

http://www.spab.org.uk/

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.
A useful reference when considering making energy saving or other improvements to a property.
The Society helps homeowners understand and care for their old buildings.

www.communities.gov.uk

Further government information on HIPs and EPCs.