The RICS has commenced judicial review proceedings against the Department for Communities and Local Government over home information packs (HIPs).

The RICS says the unprecedented move was prompted by ‘the failure to carry out proper consultation prior to implementing new legislation to bring in HIPs’.

Teresa Graham, chairman of the RICS’ regulatory board, said: ‘RICS has not made the decision to commence judicial review proceedings lightly. We have exhausted all the alternatives and greatly regret that we were left with no other option if we are to protect the public's property interests.’

Among the RICS concerns about HIPs are the insufficient number of domestic energy assessors and the cost to customers.

The news comes a day after the RICS hosted an ‘emergency briefing’ for MPs and peers to try to persuade politicians to support its call for the packs to be delayed.

It also coincides with its latest housing market survey, which showed that property sellers are rushing to complete their deals ahead of next month’s HIPs introduction.