In spite of the initial concerns that the introduction of Home Information Packs(Hips) would slow down the house-buying process, orders for the packs are being turned around in less than 48 hours.

According to the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) estate agents across the country have successfully adapted to the new legislation without house buyers or sellers being unduly affected.

The pack provider Richards Gray managed to provide a pack for a property near to Stratford upon Avon being sold through Savills estate agents within 48 hours.

In addition, the electronic version of the pack was sent to the estate agents within just 30 hours, thereby speeding the process along.

Ahipp also reported that Habitus, working through Knights Frank and the Property Search Group in Liverpool, through TheHIPAlliance.com have both managed to turn around requests for packs in record time.

Christopher Lacy of Savills said: "In spite of all the unaddressed issues with Hips, we have to deliver an efficient service to our clients.

"One of the main issues is the potential delay before agents can offer a client's property to anyone - even quietly to 'hot buyers' on the telephone.

"We at Savills have set about matters professionally to ensure that any delay is minimal, and we are very pleased with the service that we have received from Richards Gray."