The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has criticised the government over home information packs (Hips), suggesting that research into the scheme is incomplete and that their introduction has been far from smooth.

Last week, the Department of Communities and Local Government referenced the research it had commissioned on the impact of Hips and argued that the "roll out has gone smoothly".

NAEA president Stewart Lilly refuted the comments, explaning: "I do not believe that a correct analysis of stock levels has taken place and there appears to be no attempt made to check listings of three or more bedroom properties against smaller ones which would, in our opinion, have shown a clear differentiation and proved that Hips are affecting supply.

"My own conclusion is that the government has proceeded on the basis of a report that did not fully look into all the market conditions."

Mr Lilly also criticised the use of the term "smooth roll out", suggesting that the housing minister, Yvette Cooper, "has had to accept that the time taken for local searches is very patchy and that certain water companies are taking weeks to produce water searches".