Sellers in England and Wales will now have to provide a Home Information Pack (HIP) as soon as a property comes onto the market.

Currently sellers have 28 days after a property goes on sale to provide a HIP.

The pack will also include a Property Information Questionnaire, which will provide buyers with information about the property including information on flood risk, household energy safety, service charges, structural damage, and parking arrangements.

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said the changes would make sure consumers receive the best information possible throughout the buying and selling process,

Margaret Beckett said:
"Home Information Packs are potentially a vital aid to consumers who are seeking to purchase a home, and I am firmly committed to ensuring they work as well as possible. That is why the changes made today will make sure consumers are better protected, better informed and better assisted when buying a home.

"It is essential that all buyers are able to see the HIP as early as possible to ensure they are benefiting from this important information, and that sellers are getting to see the pack they are paying for."

The packs cost about £300 and take between four days and three weeks to complete.