What the hell is a HIP and why do i need one?

It's a fairly new thing, diego. I think its for anyone who is selling a house thats 3 bedrooms or more. It provides proof that the person selling it owns the title, and heaps of eco-green-lefty stuff that's in fashion these days.

Just another way for the Government to rake it in from the property boom i reckon..

http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/

it allows your leg to move freely. You generally need two of them - both in good working order, especially for skiing.

 But seriously its just another way of the gov making money if you ask me

More info here.

As with most of these things, it is meant to uncomplicate matters and speed up the process of buying, but in reality, it is a poorly conceived idea that probably won't last very long. I'm sure if the Tories get in they will get rid of it, if Labour don't before hand. It will probably be replaced by another system that will be equally rubbish and a hastle to sort out.

Well, with the now seemingly inevitable housing market collapse, I suppose this will be the last thing on peoples minds!