A new survey has found that 78% of homeowners think that Home Information Packs (HIPs) are not good value for money, while 62% thought that the information contained within a HIP would have no impact on how quickly a house would sell. The panel of homeowners was compiled by L&C, a UK mortgage lender who said that the feedback made clear homeowners are 'less than impressed' by the new packs, which were brought into force on August 1 for four-bedroom properties, and continue to be rolled out for smaller houses throughout the rest of the year. Meanwhile, Grant Shapps, shadow housing minister told the Conservative party conference on Monday: 'They [the government] didn't listen when we said Hips are clumsy, ineffective and useless. And they had to bypass parliamentary scrutiny to force them through,' said Mr Shapps. 'The experts ridiculed them, the industry doesn't want them; the market doesn't need them; and I can announce to you today the next Conservative government will scrap them.'
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Baby elephants, 60s classics and David Beckham's last meal on planet earth in the Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 24, 2025Test your general knowledge this fine Thursday.
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In the footsteps of the Beckhams: Five beautiful homes in Manchester, Miami, Madrid, London and the CotswoldsIn honour of this week's guest editor of Country Life, we take a look at some of the finest homes for sale in places that Sir David Beckham and his family have called home in the last 25 years.
