HIPs were supposed to become compulsory from 1 June but the delay is being blamed on a shortage of inspectors trained to carry out home assessments.

The HIPs, which will contain information such as title deeds and planning searches, will be introduced on a phased basis with homes with four or more bedrooms requiring them from 1 August, Ananova reported.

Their introduction has been widely opposed, both by opposition MPs and the residential property industry. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) launched a legal challenge.

A RICS spokesman said:

"The additional time should be used constructively to iron-out the problems. The practical implementation of HIPs must serve the best interests of the consumer.

"RICS has not withdrawn the Judicial Review - it has been 'stayed' and can be reactivated if the Government fails to deliver on its obligations."