Virtual property service offered as replacement income for HIP

18 January 2010 | By Robert Thickett

With the Tories stated aim that if they get in at the next general election they will bin HIPs, Virtual 360, a firm that provides panoramic imagery, says that by preparing virtual tours of properties to go with the Energy Performance Certificate - which will still be compulsory - domestic energy assessors, HIP providers and estate agents can stay in business.

Peter Fernandes, CEO of Virtual 360, says: “While they may face the loss of HIP income they could, instead, recoup this loss by producing virtual tours, floor plans or even still imagery and charge for that service instead.”