A SCHEME to help house buyers that is being tested in Huddersfield is beset by flaws, estate agents fear.

And a Huddersfield agency has questioned the benefits of the project.

Home information packs (HIPs) are due to be introduced across England and Wales from June 1.

The packs contain information that will be useful to any potential buyer. They include copies of title deeds, any recent planning permission or building consent, a local area search and an energy performance certificate. Anyone selling their house will be obliged to produce one.

A survey by property website propertyfinder.com revealed that only 36% of people knew what a HIP was.

Chief executive Warren Bright said: "The number of homes coming on to the market will go into tailspin as agents and sellers struggle to assemble all the documents needed to meet the new regulations."

And Alex McNeil, managing director of Huddersfield-based Bramleys estate agents

said since the pilot had started in Huddersfield in November, there hadn't been a great deal of take-up.

He added: "It hasn't speeded up the process of selling houses."

He said a lot of buyers and sellers still did not understand what HIPs were.