The housing market is to remain open in the
four week lockdown in England.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
confirmed the news on Saturday evening via Twitter, some hours after
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown until
December 2.
A tweet from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said:
"Q: Can I still move house? A: Yes – the housing market will
remain open throughout this period. Everyone should continue to play their part
in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance."
That guidance, originally issued in
August, says: “The process of searching for and moving into a new
home is different because property agents, conveyancers and other professionals
have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19. These changes
could include doing more online, such as offering virtual viewings; vacating
your current property during viewings; and ensuring your property is thoroughly
cleaned before someone else moves in.
“We encourage all parties involved to be as flexible as possible
and to be prepared to delay moves, for example if one of those involved becomes
ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate. It may
become necessary to pause all home moves locally or nationally for a short
period of time to manage the spread of coronavirus. We will let you know if
this needs to happen.
“If you are about to enter into a legally binding contract, you
should discuss the possible implications of COVID-19 with your legal
professional and consider making contractual provisions to manage these risks.
You should not expect to immediately be able to move into any home where people
have COVID-19 or are self-isolating.
“Those renting a property, letting agents and landlords should
be aware of and follow the government guidance on
coronavirus and renting which contains further advice that may
also be applicable such as on possession proceedings, repairs, maintenance and
health and safety.”
For members of the public - prospective buyers and
tenants, as well as vendors and landlords - the same government guidance note
says: “You
are free to move home. However, you may find the process of searching for and
moving into a new home is different, as property agents, conveyancers and other
professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19.
“Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever possible". Property agents should be able to help you with this.
“Members of the public who are visiting an agent’s office or
viewing a property should wear a suitable face covering as described in government guidance unless
they are exempt from this requirement. This should be confirmed with the agent
before arrival. Anyone with concerns should contact the agent in advance of
their visit to discuss appropriate measures. The agent may require you to
arrange an appointment before visiting the premises.
“All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will
be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the
property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party.
Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of
that household.
Please read the latest guidance on
indoor gatherings and support bubbles.
Where prospective buyers who are currently from separate
households wish to view the property on the same occasion, we advise that one
household leaves the property to allow the other to enter. This allows for both
households to view the property and ensures social distancing.
“Viewings should be arranged by appointment only and ‘open
house’ viewings should not take place. When viewing properties in person, you
should avoid touching surfaces wherever possible, wash your hands regularly
and/or use hand sanitiser. If you need to be accompanied by small children, you
should try to keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands
regularly.
If people are being shown around your home, you should open all
internal doors and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned after each
viewing with standard household cleaning products.
“We recommend that you vacate your property while viewings are
taking place in order to minimise unnecessary contact.
"Anyone involved in any aspect of the home-moving process
should practice social distancing in line with public health advice.
“When moving between properties, you and those in your household
should try to do as much of the packing yourself as you can. Where this is not
possible, you should speak to removal firms in advance. If you are particularly worried about the risk of infection,
then speak to your landlord, estate agent or removers as they may be able to
put extra precautionary measures in place.”
This page will be updated with additional information specific for agents as it
becomes available.
https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk
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