ESTATE agents across South Lakeland are gearing up for the introduction of Home Information Packs to ensure the regulations do not cause too many delays in the house buying process.

From June 1, estate agents will not be able to market a property without having a HIP in place and making sure certain documents are produced.

Poole Townsend, which has five branches across South Lakeland and Furness, has already sent staff on specialist training courses.

Sue Pyne (pictured), company and commercial law specialist at Poole Townsend, said: "We envisage there being some slight delays caused by the requirement to produce the pack prior to marketing.

"As a firm, we are looking into the various options for obtaining the contents of the pack as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

"The main outstanding concern is with regards to the preparation of the energy performance certificate and whether there will be sufficient people with the required qualifications in order for all properties to be surveyed within a very short time of a request for marketing."

For more information on HIPs, visit your local estate agency or visit www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk.