Since the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment)(No.2) Regulations 2020 came into force yesterday (13/05), the housing market will now spring back into action. For estate agents and letting companies, this green light means that the public can now travel to estate agencies/letting agents to view properties, whilst agents can also visit properties to carry out valuations and create marketing brochures. For people thinking of selling their properties, they can start to actively market them and allow their property to be viewed. Those wanting to move are also now free to do so.
All of this should be done while practicing social distancing and following safe measures.
Safety measures for those selling their homes
- Make sure you keep your estate agent informed of your health conditions, as you should not allow a viewing to take place if you are showing symptoms of coronavirus.This also applies to viewers who are entering your property.
- Viewings should take place by appointment and you may wish to restrict this amount to one or two per day.
- You should open all the internal doors prior to the viewing and allow access to handwashing facilities. There should ideally be separate towels/paper towels.
- You are encouraged to stand outside of your property whilst the viewing takes place to minimise your contact with those not in your household.
- All viewers should wash their hands at the start of the viewing and avoid touching surfaces.
- Once the viewing has taken place, you should clean all surfaces and door handles, with the safe disposing or washing of towels as appropriate.
Safety measures for those moving
- Removal firms are now able to operate, although they will have new protective procedures in place enabling them to adhere to social distancing regulations.
- Contact your removal firm as early as you can to book.
- You should try and pack as much as you can yourself.If you can’t, you should contact the removal company in advance.
- Where possible, clean your belongings before the day of the move.
- Whilst the removers are in your home, ensure that any internal doors are open and try to minimise your contact with the crew.
- Try and maintain adistance of at least 2 metres from the removers where possible.
- All parties should wash their hands and avoid touching surfaces where possible.
- You should provide hand washing facilities, using separate towels or paper towels for the removers.
- You should not provide refreshments to the removers.
Move but be careful!
Estate agents, letting companies, new build site offices, surveyors and removal companies are all keen to get back to work. Over the next few days, they will be taking stock to ensure that their new working practices are safe and consistent. Focus is being directed towards ensuring that everyone can be adequately protected and able to operate in line with all the necessary guidelines.
So, lets spring into action and get things moving again, while being safe of course.
To speak to a member of the conveyancing team at Winston Solicitors, call 0113 320 5000 or email conveyancing@winstonsolicitors.co.uk
