The following information explains what the packs will mean for homeowners and the housing market. Q. I want to sell my house and was told that I will need a Home Information Pack. What are they? A.

WHAT IS THE NHBC? The NHBC (National House-Building Council) was established over 60 years ago and is the independent regulator and standard setter for the new homes industry. Our aim is to help the house-building industry construct good quality new homes which meet the reasonable expectations of home buyers.

Why Buy a New Home? When you read the following list you will see there are compelling reasons why to opt for a new home rather than an older property. Quality - new developments are built to high safety standards with quality materials to meet increasingly strict regulations.

ENERGY EFFICIENT NEW HOMES ARE HELPING TO PRESERVE OUR PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCES Environmental experts are warning that we need to do more to conserve the earth's precious natural resources. Even though we live in a country with more than its fair share of rainfall we still get warnings of water supply shortages.

Property sales may pick up in the next few months, according to a survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). It said lower house prices had prompted renewed interest from potential buyers, especially those who already own a house or flat.