According to a survey by SimplyHip - a company set up to corner some action in the Home Information Pack racket - 84% of estate agents are unaware of the scary penalty rates incurred by marketing a HIPless property (£200 a day, from June 1, 2007). According to SimplyHip director, Ashley King:

"Many agents felt that a fine of only £200 was a scant disincentive to ensure that vendors had a completed HIPs prior to commencing the marketing of their property."

Apparently that was because they didn't realise it was £200 a day. Once that was explained to them, 73% agreed it would be a disincentive, 9% disagreed and 18% didn't know. So, they actually thought it was £200 in total... that the main obstacle to avoiding a £1,000 HIP bill is, er, a £200 fine? More here.

Hips not hip, according to Kirstie and Phil [April 18]