The product you refer to is called a HIP's (Home Inspection Pack). Basically in about July 2007 anyone selling their home will have to obtain a Sellers Pack, by law, which will include local searches, energy efficiency details of your house and it's heating, guarantees for woodworm, roofs, electrical safety check etc etc. It constitutes what could be considered an MOT of your home for a buyer (and their mortgage provider) of your house, to examine before making considering purchase. The total cost to pay a local 'HIPS' surveyor, who will undertake this task for you, is being estimated at up to �1000, and will only be valid for about 3 months, after which - if you haven't sold your property - it will need to be updated, with additional costs. The government insist this will speed up purchases and put off time wasters who are just testing the house market for prices. In truth it's just another stealth tax by dear Mr Blair, as the package is vatable and will earn the government millions. Mr Cameron on the other hand promises to abolish it if the Tories are elected. I know who I'm going to vote for.