Not everyone will be happy about the demise of HIPs though. Consider for example the thousands of people directly or indirectly employed in the industry, who were assured by the Labour Government that the packs were here to stay; they are not so thrilled to be losing their jobs. Many people gave up careers and invested in training to become self-employed HIP inspectors when the packs became compulsory. I personally know one person who did just this, and now he’s likely to lose his business right in the middle of a recession! According to the Association of Home Information Pack Providers, between 3,000 and 10,000 workers will be either directly or indirectly affected by the death of the HIP packs.

The tale of HIPs goes right back to when Tony Blair (aka. “Teflon Tony” – remember him?) and Gordon Brown launched New Labour’s 1997 election manifesto, where they spelt out plans to ‘fix’ the home-buying process. It wasn’t broken of course, but that didn’t stop them tinkering with almost everything else they encountered either.

The idea was that by giving potential buyers a pack crammed full of information on the property before they made an offer, fewer deals would fall through at a later stage; things would move quickly; and time-wasters would be discouraged. In simple terms it was shifting some of the costs of buying, like searches and valuations, from the buyer to the seller, who would pay for and provide the HIP, and no doubt also add a few hundred pounds to the price of the property to cover it too.

Importantly, HIPs fulfilled an EU directive to provide energy efficiency information on all properties, which would become one of the contents of the pack. Now that Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is the only bit that will stay under new Government plans.

When HIPs were eventually launched in August 2007 they were pretty useless because even if the idea had once been a good one in principle, the contents of the pack had got more and more watered down over the years. Most of the intended contents had become optional for sellers, specifically the Home Condition Report (supposedly the jewel in the HIP crown) which was going to be similar to a valuation. Once that became optional, in a last minute Labour Government U-Turn, it was pretty obvious that HIPs were doomed.

Ultimately the only compulsory things left in the HIPs were a contents page, the energy efficiency report, proof of title and a few basic searches. For a mandatory cost of up to £200 a pack, it was far from a great deal!

In their final form HIPs didn’t speed up the buying process because of their watered down state, didn’t stop time-wasters, and didn’t really help potential buyers. Of New Labour’s stated goals for the HIP, none were achieved!

So it came as no surprise when the Tories jumped on HIPs years ago as a waste of time and money (and as an easy target for political point scoring). When they formed the coalition Government with the Liberal Democrats last week it was no surprise they announced they were scrapping the packs.

However, while our new coalition Government was clearly committed to scrapping the packs, it had given no timetable for doing so. As a result there were concerns that potential vendors would delay putting their properties on the market to avoid paying for a HIP. The resultant lack of supply could then skew the housing market temporarily, right at a time when that wasn’t needed, and thereby threaten the recovery.

Thankfully, the Government has listened to those concerns and acted swiftly, with an immediate suspension of the packs, pending legislation to remove them completely. Energy Performance Certificates remain compulsory due to EU legislation.

While New Labour’s introduction of HIPs was a long-drawn out messy process, it appears that their demise under the Lib-Con coalition has been a mercifully short, sharp one.

Do you have any thoughts on the demise of HIPs? Have you been personally affected by it; did you commission a HIP shortly before the election; are you a HIP inspector? You can have your say by leaving your comments below. You can also use the Social Media icons to share this post with others.

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

The speaker is Kevin Green, who’s going to talk about Creating Passive Income: an interesting and important subject by any standards.

I’ve heard Kevin speak before, and he’s an entertaining and engaging speaker. I saw him on TV over the Easter weekend too, in a repeat of a show that first aired last year, where he starred in “Secret Millionaire” and gave away nearly £60,000 of his own money to various people he met and wanted to help.

Nice guy! And wealthy too! And he started out as a Welsh dairy farmer! To learn how he succeeded…

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

Note that the venue has changed, and moved from M3 J6 to M3 J4a …Dennis & Hazel will give you full details when you book.

I’m looking forward to hearing Kevin speak so I’ll be there too. In fact, I’ll also be on an Expert Round Table from 6:30pm wearing my “other hat” and explaining how you can use the internet to generate qualified leads for your property business (or indeed any other business).

Buy your ticket now (before they sell out) from:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

And if you can’t wait until tomorrow to talk to me about lead-generation, or simply want a complimentary copy of “Scientific Advertising” (£20 on Amazon), go to my website at:

==> http://www.direct-to-market.co.uk

Kevin Green started off as a dairy farmer in Wales and is now one of the largest private landlords in the country, with a portfolio worth over £29 million!
 
He has appeared on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire programme where he gave away tens of thousands of pounds of his own money, and is a truly motivational speaker. I know, I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at a WIA/Whitney/Tigrent event in early 2009.

Kevin mentors and guides people through a ‘hands on’ approach on how to create wealth through implementing clear systems and strategies.
 
Kevin also believes in Heart Magic – the subject on which I heard him speak – and believes that we should follow our hearts before our heads, as our hearts never lie. He relates heart-led decisions to ‘gut feel’, and nobody can deny that this has led him to huge success in life and business.

You can learn more about Kevin from his own website www.KevinGreen.co.uk

Unsurprisingly, I am told that when Kevin last spoke at a national property event in London there was a queue of literally hundreds of people wanting to speak to him.

And now you can hear him speak – and speak with him – in the much more intimate surroundings of Hampshire Property Club:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

On Thursday 8th April, Kevin will be giving a presentation on:
 
“How to Create Passive Income Streams through Property Investment and Property Related Businesses INCLUDING how to Become Your Own Bank!”

The hosts, Dr Dennis Coote & Hazel Reed, fully expect this event will be sold out – and I’ve already reserved my ticket with them – so if you don’t want to miss this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to hear Kevin speak, and meet him too, in the friendly club environment that only HPC offers you get your tickets now; still only £10.00 in advance (or £15.00 at the door but only if there are places).

I don’t know where you are in the country, but I do know that people travel from far afield to hear Kevin speak, let alone meet and speak him.

Go right now and secure your ticket by clicking this link:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON JUST ‘TURNING UP’ WITHOUT PRE-BOOKING … READ THIS FIRST:

CHANGE OF VENUE

HPC are expanding and and have outgrown the previous venue in Basingstoke!

The hosts, Dennis Coote and Hazel Reed, have chosen the Lismoyne Hotel, Fleet, Hampshire, just off the M3 at junction 4A (and no, I don’t have the postcode for either your sat-nav or mine, sorry) as the new club meeting place. I’m told that this hotel has a much better room for the club meetings, will be able to accommodate a larger number of people, and there is a bar/catering area within the room itself. The Hotel is also a higher grade but the prices are not so high.

Plus, a change of name!

Because HPC is now attracting more members from Hampshire and from other counties, including many people from London, they are now known as the Hampshire & Home Counties Property Networking Club. Mercifully, Dennis has agreed that they can still be referred to as HPC for short!
 
I look forward to seeing you there on April 8th: book now to avoid disappointment…

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

What we learn from experience is the most valuable lesson of all: Tony and Peter will be sharing their hard-won experience with you at Hampshire Property Club this coming Thursday 4th February.

Peter and Tony invest in property real time - with over 200 properties of their own all over the country, they REALLY know what they are talking about. It is a complete revelation listening to Peter and Tony when they talk about property, investing, sourcing, creating positive cash flow because they are talking from knowledge, practical, personal expertise.

Peter and Tony are at the top of their game. In practical terms they are amongst the most successful property investors in this country. Starting off with very little money of their own they have created an amazing empire of property investments, buy-to-let houses and apartments, a company which is now expanding to lettings, sourcing properties and creating business online.

My good friends, Dr Dennis Coote and Hazel Reed of Hampshire Property Club, are extremely privileged that Tony Swift and Peter Hassett are giving their time to show us how we can emulate their success.

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

Here’s just some of what they will cover in their Presentation entitled
“Operation: CASH FLOW codename: CREDIT CRUNCH SURVIVAL”

• Introduction -credentials - who we are, what we do, how long we’ve done it, net result
• Position - Credit Crunch - the difficulties we experienced when it hit
• Response to Credit Crunch - how we adapted and overcame
• Strategies - creative finance methods / techniques
• Deal Examples - x 2 (1 x repossession rescue consultation, 1 x sandwich lease option)
• Marketing Methods - board, newspaper, leaflet examples
• Our Company FTGIM - new products / sites to assist members to market their investments
• How can we help you? - new plans and strategies for 2010

Make no mistake, this will be a valued-packed presentation from two outstanding property investors.

I’m pleased to say that I was there when this dynamic duo made their very first presentation, and I’m looking forward to hearing this new one too: I challenge anybody not to learn from Peter and Tony

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

And if that’s not enough, Dennis and Hazel have their customary experts’ round tables lined up for you too. The guests on Thursday will be:

Rory O’Mara

Rory will be explaining his own successful Low or No Money Down deals, with borrowings up to £10m, no exit fees, 75% funding for development finance, up to 100% purchase price funding too.  Loan to value based on open market values and competitive rates at 1%. Closed Bridging Finance rates are based on open market valuations and so they can often lend to higher LTV’s that other lenders.

Vivien White

Vivien’s company New Leaf Homes is a local independent property marketing firm specialising in residential lettings, lease options, property sales and management.  Vivien and New Leaf Homes look after landlord services, tenant assistance, giving sales and lettings advice!

Peter Birkett
 
The prospects might still be a bit dull in the U.K. but sales and investments are certainly hotting up in Spain.  Still the number one spot for holiday makers from this country, and a great place to live.

Spain offers amazing opportunities for properties now, particularly those repossessions from the Banks. Come and talk to Peter, see what he has to offer.

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you at Hampshire Property Club this coming Thursday 4th February.

Expert Round Table event at 6.30 p.m.
Main Presentation at 7.45 p.m.
Networking in the room until 10.30 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Grove Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3EE

Not surprisingly Peter was swamped with responses and the seats filled up in next to no time. The result is that I have had unhappy readers phoning me to complain that they can’t go!

So I’ve had a chat with Peter and persuaded him to enlarge the group and now there are STILL A FEW SEATS REMAINING.

If you want to read more about this amazing property investment opportunity then go to my blog post at

==> http://www.summitfinance.co.uk/blog/?p=182

And to book your place simply email Peter, with your phone number, on

==> pg@summitfinance.co.uk

Here’s the details:

Location - Basingstoke

Date - Wednesday 20th January

Time - 6:00-7:00pm Free Networking
       7:00-8:30pm Presentation plus Q&A
       8:30pm onwards Free Networking

To secure your seat (and they’re filling fast!) email Peter now with your name and phone number:

==> pg@summitfinance.co.uk

Feel free to pass this opportunity on to your friends and family using the social bookmarks below, and if you’d like to leave a comment please do so.

Despite the cold and the snow, which most children seem to be enjoying more than their parents, I want to tell you about a very special evening event that can really kick-start your new year investment activity.

It’s taking place on Wednesday evening next week, just one week from today, close to the M3.

At this event you will be able to mix, and network, with other like minded people and learn about an opportunity designed on a solid based business model for your investment portfolio strategy.

Best of all, this event is completely free: compare that with your regular property networking event!

There’s no booking form, so to secure your seat just drop an email to:

   pg@summitfinance.co.uk

We are introducing our guests to a business opportunity that has the following benefits:

• Up to 10 years Income Guarantee
• Net yields in the region of 15%+
• Investment Managed by retained Management Company
• Invest at around 50% market value (that’s 50% BMV)
• Suitable for Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) Acquisition
• From just £1,000 deposit and 100% finance option (subject to status)

This is EXCITING, that much I can guarantee because I have seen some of the detail, and if you have one or more of the following then you could be just a couple of steps away from creating a GENUINE PASSIVE INCOME FOR LIFE:

• Property with Equity
• ‘Buy to Let’ Equity
• Dormant or under performing pensions
• Cash Savings earning less each year
• Good Credit History
• £1000 deposit

It is certainly worth spending an evening checking this out thoroughly, with no commitment, and taking the opportunity to network for free with some like-minded people.

Numbers are limited, and I had to work hard to persuade Peter to make a few more seats available for our readers, so to reserve your place and to learn all about this investment opportunity please contact us by email as soon as possible. Email now to

   pg@summitfinance.co.uk

and we’ll let you have full details by return.

ACT EARLY AS PLACES ARE LIMITED AND I WOULDN’T WANT YOU TO MISS OUT!

Email now to pg@summitfinance.co.uk to secure your place.

You can tell your friends about this opportunity (but be quick!) using the buttons below, or leave a comment as usual…

The good news is that, if you come to Hampshire Property Club this coming Thursday, you’ll get to hear something completely different when Ranjan presents on “Survive and Thrive in Property Today!” And I am assured that, perhaps for the first time, there will be no sales pitch for a backend product!

Here’s what Dr Dennis Coote and Hazel Reed (my good friends and your hosts at Hampshire Property Club) told me:

——————————— snip ———————————

“We are delighted that Ranjan is coming once more to share his expertise and experience with us.  Many of you will remember that Ranjan was our very first presenter in April 2008, he is a staunch supporter of our Club, an extremely successful property investor and a good friend.

“His presentation this time will be titled:

“Survive and Thrive in Property today!

“As you know to survive and thrive in the present economic climate means adapting different strategies.  Ranjan has totally changed his own strategies for property at this time - it is a most unusual period in the history of finance and property - he will be sharing his views, his ideas, his new direction.

“He is coming to talk to you without any back end sales pitch - he merely wants to share how he sees the present and future in property.

“To make sure of your tickets now click the link below

www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

“We also have an impressive list of other Experts at the Experts Round Table Event.

“Paul Shamplina - Landlords Action
“Anthony Lyons - Editor Your Property Network Magazine
“Peter Green - Quadrant - properties in Brazil and Caribbean
“Property Horizons - properties in the USA
“Vivien White - New Leaf - lettings and property management
“Colin Davison - Cranleys Chartered Accountants
“Peter Birkett - Ellingham Hall properties and mortgages in Spain
“Rory O’Mara - NMD deals Closedbridgingfinance
“We look forward to seeing you Andrew at this unique format, Property Networking supreme!

“Start 6.30 p.m. The Holiday Inn, Basingstoke with Ranjan’s presentation starting at 8 p.m. - networking then until around 11 p.m.”

——————————— snip ———————————

I’ll be there too, of course, to help you with any website design, search engine marketing and internet marketing issues you may have. I won’t be on an “Experts Round Table” this month though as I have another commitment which means I can’t get there until 7:45pm. However, I’ll try to hang around afterwards as long as you want, so if you do have any questions please be sure to catch me on the night:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

PS: The postcode for your sat-nav is RG21 3EE

PPS: Any comments, good or bad, or if you simply want to share this post with others …please use the facilities below.

In one case, a family man (and client of Summit Finance) was given just 2 hours to raise a £4,000 deposit and the Ahuja Group wouldn’t even give him the full address (to do his due diligence and check the comparables) until after he had paid the deposit. Needless to say, the prospective investment was a dud!!!

The enforcement officer knocks on Ajay Ahuja’s Cambridgeshire front door before dawn and presents him with 2 warrants. Still Ahuja refuses to pay, despite the Court’s order. Ahuja is then told that his car (a silver Mercedes) will be seized and sold at auction (and I’m sure I heard the bailiff say “again”). Ahuja refuses to surrender the keys and so a recovery truck is called and prepares to tow his car away.

Reluctantly Ahuja pays up more than £14,000 (including costs incurred through his own arrogance) and the bailiff comments that “I’m sure we’ll be seeing him again.” Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action was there too, just to add a few words at the end.

Watch BBC iPlayer for yourself to see (just 10 minutes), and then pass this tale on to anyone thinking of doing business with either Ajay Ahuja or the Ahuja Group:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nqhs4/Inside_Out_London_02_11_2009

And if you know anyone that has already been conned by the Ahuja group and wants their money back, I suspect they’ll find this short BBC video interesting too:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nqhs4/Inside_Out_London_02_11_2009

=========================== UPDATE ===========================

I am astonished by the number of emails I have received back from people within just hours of this post, either with stories of how Ajay Ahuja ripped them off and seeking help to recover their money from him, or simply thanking me for saving them falling into his trap.

If you wish to comment on this post and share your experiences, please use the Comment facility below.

If you wish to help others by sharing this post on Twitter or similar, please use the social media buttons below.

Andrew

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

Here’s what the hosts, Dr Dennis Coote and Hazel Reed told me:

“As soon as any new technology is introduced there are those few who use it wisely and effectively to create real wealth. And the way to access all the information you will need to reap the benefits from such sites as Twitter, Facebook, Ning etc. is to listen to and learn from experts in that particular field.

“Nick and Vanessa have been involved with media for many years, now setting up their own television company, 4wallsandaceiling T.V. They are both very active property investors and landlords.

“But the real value of meeting, talking to and listening to Nick and Vanessa is that they are genuine and absolutely generous in sharing their experience, expertise, knowledge and information.

“For a couple of hours of your time, your future could be massively endowed with the information you need to boost your business, create a new way of making money, get access to new insights into the future and potential of Social Media.

“We are honoured that the main presentation is to be given by acknowledged experts in the Social Media field.”

Nick & Vanessa will start speaking at 8pm.

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

However,the doors will open at 6:30pm as usual when, I am told by Dennis and Hazel, you will have a total of “14 property experts from 10 companies for you to meet and talk to.”

So who are the experts on the Hampshire Property Club round tables this month, and what can they advise you on? Here’s the list I was given:

• Rob Moore & Mark Homer - Progressive Property
• Vivien White - Property management and Lettings
• Rory O’Mara  - NMD BMV deals
• Peter Birkett - Properties and Finance in Spain
• Highworth Lifestyle - Financial Advice and Life Coaching
• John Corey Jr. - Lease Options to Buy properties
• Mike Evans - Property Horizons - buying in Detroit
• Yvonne Emery - Life coach in the property industry
• Heritage Capital - Asset Management, Capital investing

It’s quite an impressive list, and all these experts are all available to consult with for just £10.00; this is a great investment in your future, and as a regular attendee& expert myself I can personally attest that Dennis & Hazel always run a top-quality event.

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

So don’t miss it:

Dr Dennis Coote and Hazel Reed
Hampshire Property Club
Thursday 1st October 2009, 6.30 p.m. - 10.30 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Basingstoke, RG21 3EE.

Book now - guarantee your seat and save money compared with paying at the door:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

So who is John Lee, and what’s he going to be talking about?

You may have heard of John Lee from Property Cow, which he runs in conjunction with David Kyte. John’s talk this coming Thursday will be entitled “Negotiating those Cracking Deals in Property”. Make of that what you will, but apparently that is the title!

What’s certain though is that if the expenditure of just £10 with Hampshire Property Club will teach you enough about negotiation to shave even the tiniest amount off the price of a property, or indeed to increase the rental by even a fraction, then it will be £10 well spent. Whether it does or not is up to John Lee of course, and I for one will be there on Thursday to see what he can teach me.

You can join me and book tickets in advance from:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

But if John Lee’s promise of teaching you hitherto unimaginable negotiation powers from 8pm onwards isn’t enough, there’s always the expert round table starting from 6:30pm too. And it’s all included in the low £10 cover charge! This month, making themselves available for you despite the holiday season, you will find the following experts:

Marilyn & Philip Robinson discussing The Climate Change Act and reducing Carbon Footprint 

Marilyn Robinson and Philip Robinson were very popular at the last Hampshire Property Club event as this subject is an important part of the future in property. Ideas are changing on construction and maintenance of properties, and as property investors we need to be one step ahead of legislation. Marilyn and Philip will be telling anybody who is interested about the new Climate Change Act and how this will affect every investor.
 
Marilyn will also be explaining about the Reducing Carbon House, which has a unique visitor centre, and advising us on how we can all reduce our carbon footprint. She can even offer a range of low cost solutions.

Rory O’Mara will be there to discuss Closed Bridging Finance (don’t forget we can still offer that through Summit Finance too).

Vivien White of New Leaf Homes will have a table to advise on lettings, a subject of obvious and vital importance to every landlord.

Peter Green of www.quadrant.eu.com will be there to sell you some properties in the Caribbean and Brazil. Apparently, these properties have “a low cost entry and a high income return which will boost an income stream for property investors.” So that’s got to be worth learning about.

Andrew Pearce of Direct-to-Market will be there to talk about attracting traffic to your website (i.e. search engine marketing), persuading your visitors to leave their contact details (i.e. lead capture), and turning those visitors into customers (through email relationship marketing). And if you don’t already have a website, Andrew can help you there too as his company also does web design.

If you run a business then Andrew can help you to squeeze more profit from it, so be sure you talk to him on his expert’s round table on the night.

All advice on the night will be free, so don’t miss your opportunity.

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk

So there you go. The doors to Hampshire Property Club open at 6:30pm on Thursday 6th August with 5 experts for you to talk with, and at 8pm John Lee will go on stage to help you negotiate better property deals. Far from shutting down for the holiday season, Hampshire Property Club are excelling themselves to help you.

And if you buy your tickets in advance the cost is just £10.

The venue is the usual Holiday Inn, Basingstoke, RG21 3EE. And I know that Dennis Coote and Hazel Reed will be pleased to welcome you as a member of their club if you are not already.

I look forward to seeing you there:

==> http://www.HampshirePropertyClub.co.uk