Ministers faced renewed criticism over the flooding crisis after it emerged that controversial new home information packs will not include details about the flood risk to properties.
The total of accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) has reached almost 1,600 ahead of the launch of the home information packs (Hips) scheme on August 1st.
Loopholes that enable homeowners to avoid Home Information Packs (HIPs) will make the controversial scheme "totally unenforceable", critics believe.
Simple measures such as removing a bed from a bedroom, cancelling a pack after it has been ordered, or advertising a home on a personal website will allow sellers to escape the costly packs without breaking the law.
It is often said that a man's home is his castle. So it comes as little surprise that drawbridges are raised and moats are filled when people believe their homes are under threat.
Moving house is one of the most stressful - and expensive - experiences most people put themselves through, so buying and selling a property certainly doesn't have to be made any more complicated.