The LPE1 is a standard conveyancing form commonly used during the sale of a leasehold property in England and Wales. Solicitors, conveyancers and managing agents usually refer to it as the LPE1.
It is used to provide the buyer and their conveyancer with information about the lease, service charges, building management and other matters connected with the property.
Leasehold arrangements and conveyancing processes can differ between properties. This article provides general information for England and Wales and is not legal or financial advice. Buyers and sellers should obtain advice from their independent conveyancer about their individual transaction.
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Why is the LPE1 form used?
Buying a leasehold property involves reviewing information about the home and how the building or estate is managed.
The buyer and their conveyancer may need details about the lease, service charges, insurance, management arrangements and proposed work. The LPE1 brings much of this information together in a standard format and can help the buyer’s conveyancer identify matters requiring further enquiries.
The information may also be relevant to a mortgage lender. Requirements differ between lenders and properties, so buyers should follow the advice of their conveyancer and mortgage adviser.
Who provides and requests the LPE1 information?
The information is normally requested from one or more organisations involved in owning or managing the property. This could include the landlord, managing agent or management company.
The organisations involved will depend on the ownership and management arrangements. Some properties have different parties responsible for the building, wider estate or service charges.
The seller’s conveyancer will normally advise who should be contacted and what authority, payment or supporting information is required. Some providers accept requests by email, while others use an online portal or application form.
A request may need to include the property address, the seller’s details and authority, the conveyancer’s contact details and payment of the provider’s fee.
The buyer’s conveyancer will review the information alongside the lease, title documents, searches and other replies received during the transaction. If the documents identify reported arrears, proposed work, restrictions or unclear management arrangements, they may raise further enquiries.
What information can an LPE1 contain?
Depending on the current form, the property and its management arrangements, the information supplied may cover:
- contact details for the landlord, managing agent or management company
- service charges and any ground rent arrangements
- reported arrears or outstanding balances
- proposed major works
- building-insurance arrangements
- fees or notices that may apply when the property is sold
- restrictions relating to the use, letting or alteration of the property
- management arrangements and reported disputes or legal proceedings
The exact information available will depend on the property, its lease and the organisations responsible for its management.
An LPE1 should not be treated as a guarantee that costs and arrangements will remain unchanged. Its answers reflect the information supplied by the relevant parties when the form is completed. They should be considered alongside the supporting documents and other enquiries made during the transaction.
How much does an LPE1 cost?
A landlord, managing agent or management company may charge a fee for supplying an LPE1 or a wider management-information pack.
Charges and payment arrangements vary between providers. The amount may depend on the property, the information required and whether a faster service is requested.
Sellers can ask their conveyancer or the relevant provider to confirm:
- the current fee and what it includes
- the expected delivery time
- how long the information will be treated as current
- whether another fee may apply if an update is required
The cost is commonly met by the seller, but responsibility for payment should be checked as part of the individual transaction.
Information can change during a sale. If the transaction takes longer than expected or a new buyer is found, updated information may be requested and the provider may charge a further fee.
Sellers should speak to their conveyancer before making decisions about a charge they do not understand or believe may have been applied incorrectly.
What documents may accompany an LPE1?
An LPE1 may be supplied with supporting documents, depending on the property and the information available. These could include:
- recent service-charge accounts and estimates
- a statement showing the property’s account balance
- building-insurance information
- details of planned or proposed major works
- relevant notices or consultation documents
- information about management-company membership and fees
Not every property will have the same documents. The buyer’s conveyancer may raise further enquiries or advise that other documents are required.
Tips for sellers
- Speak to your conveyancer early about the information likely to be required.
- Check which organisations need to provide information, along with their fees and expected delivery times.
- Keep copies of correspondence, receipts and supporting documents.
- Ask your conveyancer to review any outstanding balance or charge you do not understand.
Tips for buyers
- Read the LPE1 information and supporting documents provided to you.
- Ask your conveyancer to explain any charges, restrictions or management arrangements you do not understand.
- Ask whether major works are proposed or under consideration.
- Do not rely on the LPE1 alone when deciding whether to proceed with the purchase.
Final thoughts
The LPE1 can help a buyer and their conveyancer understand a leasehold property’s management arrangements, regular charges, reported account position, building insurance and proposed work disclosed at the time.
It should be considered alongside the lease, title documents, searches and other replies obtained during the purchase. Forms, fees, management arrangements and leasehold requirements may change, so buyers and sellers should obtain advice from their independent conveyancer about their individual transaction.
