I may have this wrong but I think that the 'home pack' has been put on hold for the moment because it is too difficult to administer. Check with an estate agent.
According to the last governement blurb, they are still going ahead, albeit without the home condition report (which is a survey that would be the most costly element of the pack).
The HIP transfers some of the cost associated with buying a house from the buyer to the seller so in theory you'd be best to buy after they are introduced.