The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) has signalled it would support a move to extend the first day marketing period past its scheduled end dates of December 31st.

Currently, an estate agent can market a property without a Hip being in place, as long as one is commissioned and is expected to be completed within 28 days.

From January 1st, this is due to change, with all properties requiring a pack before being advertised as for sale.

Paul Broadhead, deputy director general of Ahipp, said although he expects Hips to be rolled out to cover all homes in the coming months, he would not object to an extension to first day marketing.

"This would seem a sensible approach, whilst the fully rolled out system beds down," he commented, adding that "this should only be a temporary measure".

"For Hips to do their job properly, all the information must be made available to potential buyers from the offset," Mr Broadhead suggested.