Andrew Payne, a housing specialist and partner at Leamington law firm Wright Hassall LLP, said: “This is a complete U-turn by the Government which has come without any warning whatsoever.
“We, along with many other organisations, have invested a lot of time and money preparing for HIPs and it remains to be seen what will happen to the legislation.
“But it is too early at this stage to assess exactly what the repercussions from this decision will be for both the industry and homeowners.
“The Home Condition Report was a fundamental part of the HIP. If this is not now to be compulsory one wonders if the HIP will come into effect at all?”
