Victoria Mills Shipley, developers offer their own version of the HIP

As featured on the BBC News 24 at the weekend, one developer is using the debate surrounding the proposed Home Information Packs (HIPS) to their advantage, Newmason Properties the company behind the major new ₤70 million development taking place at Victoria Mills on the outskirts of the West Yorkshire village of Shipley.

The controversial HIPS are marketed as being a much needed addition to the home buying process providing upfront analysis by an independent home inspector on a prospective property purchase with the idea that fewer deals will fall through avoiding significant wasted costs. However with an initial price tag of ₤900 the packs are being touted as expensive waste of time as they will not be a replacement for a full qualified chartered survey a cost still borne by the buyer and may in fact slow the home buying process due to a lack of fully trained home inspectors.

Just in case the development itself isn’t enough to woo buyers, the developers have taken it on themselves to provide full home information packs on apartments in the Victoria Mills complex so that potential buyers have all the information to hand in order to be confident about their purchase.

Knight Frank has recently brokered a deal to sell the entire VM2 apartment building which sits alongside the highly successful converted ‘Old Mill’ project in which just a few properties now remain. The ‘New Mill’ adds a modern contrast to the 5.5 acre site with its historic waterfront setting, drawing on Sir Titus Salt’s Saltaire Mill for inspiration. The groundbreaking scheme aims to create more than just a desirable address and with high quality design, specification and interiors against a backdrop of community facilities (24 hr concierge, tennis courts) whilst preserving another piece of history for future generations.

The one and two bedroom apartments are starting at ₤149,950 rising to ₤349,950 and being marketed by Knight Frank and are due for completion in 2007.