The adoption of unique property reference numbers or UPRNs have taken a massive step forward following an initiative backed by all the key players within the property market.

Fourteen trade bodies including The Conveyancing Association, CILEX, ARLA Propertymark, ARMA and the Society of Licenced Conveyancers have all backed the new versions of three key property enquiry forms used in the conveyancing process.

These are the LPE1 (Leasehold Property Enquiries), LPE2 (Consumer summary) and FME1 (Freehold Management Enquiries) forms, all of which have been updated to include UPRNs.

Other updates

The forms also include information requests on other topics including parking, pets, email acceptance and payments via the banking system, the latter two designed to make the process more efficient.

The LPE1 also touches on a more controversial subject. It includes additional questions on whether a property is within a building that has been subject to a fire safety or cladding assessment, and whether urgent works are needed consequently.

The FME1 form has also been updated and now includes questions on deed of covenant, contributions to service charge and insurance.

Nigel Glen, CEO of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), says: “We are pleased with the comprehensive additions to the forms, in particular the addition of the (usually belated and highly emotive) matter of pets and the LPE1’s request for information on building safety.

“We hope the latter will help towards freeing up leaseholders to sell on properties where the fire risk is minimal. We also welcome the addition of the UPRN field as a means of encouraging its adoption across the residential building stock, the benefits of which have long been known.”

The new forms will go live on 11th January.

Read more about UPRNs.