(i) Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;
(ii) Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent;
(iii) Preparing a residential property to move in;
(iv) Moving home;
(v) Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced: “Today I am announcing new guidelines to allow the housing market to resume. Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals.”
The regulations also allow other parties such as surveyors, removers and contractors such as plumbers, electricians and builders to assist where they are needed. They will also all need to follow the appropriate government guidance.
This guidance provides important public health information to ensure that moving home and key activities around this, such as viewing property, can happen safely. One of the simplest steps you can take when moving home is to wash your hands frequently and wherever possible stay at least 2 metres apart from people who are not members of your household.
The process of finding and moving into your new home will now need to be different given those involved in the process will have to adapt new practices and procedures to ensure that the risk of spread of coronavirus is reduced as far as possible. This will include doing more of the process online, such as virtual initial viewings; vacating your current property whilst other people are shown around; and ensuring your property is thoroughly cleaned before someone else moves in.
The full guidance provides assistance in carrying out all keys steps within the process, with guidance for both clients and for those involved in the industry covering ;
1. Preparing to buy, sell or move home
2. Viewings
3. Making offers or reservations
4. Property searches and surveys
5. Agreeing to move
6. Moving your belongings
We will continue to provide our clients tailored advice to their individual circumstances, but essentially we must continue to do as much as we can remotely/virtually and when the time comes for physical movement/contact we will all need to ensure that all public health guidance on social distancing is followed throughout, together with guidance on maintaining elevated hygiene standards to keep us all safe.
Barwells are open and here to help, continuing to serve our clients through this time and are ready to act on your cases immediately.
Get in touch today on 01273 514213 or view our conveyancing information on this website.