Pre-Exchange Leasehold Pack Checklist

Who this is for

Buyers and advisers who have the pack and need a structured way to identify what still needs professional clarification before exchange.

Why it matters

Exchange is the point at which unresolved evidence gaps can become harder to manage. Leasehold risk is often cumulative: a short lease, unclear demised premises, ground rent escalation, missing budget, planned works and weak insurance evidence can each be manageable alone but serious together.

What to check first

• Confirm lease term and whether the remaining years create valuation, mortgage or extension issues.
• Check ground rent amount, review dates and escalation formula.
• Compare service charge history, current budget and reserve fund evidence.
• Identify major works, Section 20, repairs, fire safety and insurance issues.
• List every missing or provisional document before the final report on title.

Red flags in the pack

• Pack lacks current budget, accounts or insurance schedule.
• Lease clauses are not available for rent, assignment, alterations, subletting or service charge machinery.
• Major works are mentioned without per-flat exposure.
• Building-safety documents are historic or absent.
• Completion fees and notices are fragmented or unpriced.

Evidence to gather

• Official copy lease and title documents.
• LPE1 replies with annexes.
• Service charge accounts, budget, demands and reserve statement.
• Insurance schedule and claims/excess information.
• Section 20, fire safety and major works correspondence.

Questions to send

• Which documents remain outstanding and when will they be supplied?
• Are any replies provisional, disputed or dependent on future updates?
• Which issues does the conveyancer want addressed in writing before exchange or noted for later completion handling?
• Has the conveyancer checked the lease clauses behind the pack answers?

How LeaseLens uses this

LeaseLens converts the pack into a risk score, completeness score, top issues and missing-document list so the user can see what remains unresolved for professional review.

Official context

• LEASE: things to know before buying
• LEASE: process and timing
• LEASE: using a solicitor

Caution

This is an informational screening guide only. It is not legal advice, does not interpret your lease for you, and does not replace advice from a qualified conveyancer or solicitor.