SEPTEMBER'S introduction of HIPS packages for three-bedroom houses has, predictably, split the housing industry. The National Association of Estate Agencies (NAEA) says there are not enough energy assessors to carry them out, and Savills the estate agents, agrees. But web-based TheHipExchange.com disagrees.

"The NAEA has consistently expressed concerns regarding the implementation of HIPS as there still remains a shortfall of qualified assessors taking the exams," said its chief executive Peter Bolton.

"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.’’

Christopher Lacy, director of Savills responsible for the implementation of HIPs into the residential agency business, said: "It is hugely disappointing that the Government has failed to take the opportunity to ensure that the supply of HIPs is functioning well before expanding the requirement to three-bedroom homes.

"HIPs have only been in force for four- bedroom homes for just over two weeks and the pack-providing companies and estate agents are still struggling to tune their systems for the efficient supply of packs.

‘‘Not only that, but it is done within the peak holiday period with only three weeks notice for those considering selling."

But TheHipExchange.com, a website established to allow sellers and domestic energy assessors get in touch with each other, does not agree.

Founder Henry Pryor said: "There are more than 2,500 accredited assessors ready to undertake the necessary energy certificates. When it made its spectacular U-turn in May, the Government said it would roll out HIPs to smaller properties as and when there were enough assessors and our own panel of nearly 1,100 covers the whole of England and Wales.

"We expect about 500 packs will have been produced in August which will rise to around 5,000 in September. The cost of both the EPC and the entire pack is bound to come down as a result of the announcement."

The average EPC currently costs around £140 with the whole pack costing £300 plus. They will be introduced to three-bedroom homes from September 10.