The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has expressed its concerns over the government's announcement that it is to implement the second stage of its Hips scheme.

The organisation originally argued that the scheme was ineffective as soon as it was launched at the start of this month, largely due to a shortage of qualified home energy assessors.

Despite the concerns coming from the industry, the government has confirmed that, from September 10th, both Hips and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will apply be extended to include all properties with three bedrooms.

At present, only owners of homes with four bedrooms or more are required to provide a £500 pack should they wish to sell.

Commenting on the government's announcement, NAEA chief executive Peter Bolton King said: "We did anticipate the second phase to be in the autumn, but with this announcement it now appears that the government may try and include all dwellings by the end of the year. This will continue to place uncertainty into an already delicate residential market.

"This will continue to place uncertainty into an already delicate residential market," he added.

According to government statistics, around one million three-bedroom properties are put on the UK market each year.