SoH. Coronavirus Update for Home Buyers and Sellers
Moving Home in Covid Times
The property industry has been one of the most discussed sectors of the COVID-19 story so far. After a blanket shutdown of the industry in the first lockdown, the Government gave the go ahead for estate agents and lettings agents to continue to work, meaning that people could still move.
The slight easing of restrictions coupled with the Stamp Duty Holiday gave our industry – and the economy – a real boost and according to the Office for National Statistics, UK average house prices “increased by 7.6% over the year to November 2020”, the highest growth rate since 2016.
At SoH. we have experienced increased demand, and during January 2021 we have seen a strong appetite from both buyers and sellers who want to get moving. This is all encouraging news, however it is important that estate agents perform their roles safely, responsibly and with empathy.
The Government has set out a code of conduct for the property industry which we have summerised below:
So, what can take place?
- Buyers and tenants can move home
- Removals companies can be used
- Estate and lettings agents are able to operate
- Viewings can take place
- You can sell your home
What needs to happen?
- Viewings can happen, but social distancing is required
- Existing tenants or homeowners should leave the property for the viewing to take place
- People should carry their own hand sanitiser and not touch surfaces (look with your eyes)
- Appointments need to be arranged
- No “Open House” viewings events are permitted
- Face coverings need to be worn when visiting a house or an office
- Properties should be cleaned afterwards
- It is advisable to have windows open
When moving, people should do so within their household or bubble. While friends and family may volunteer to help out, it’s best that you keep yourself to yourself.
If you are in the middle of a transaction and have been notified to self-isolate or have contracted COVID, then you must communicate this to your legal team and us as your estate agent. The government says that if you are legally obliged to move by a certain date, you must notify your conveyancer and ask for the move to be delayed.
If you would like to know more about the do and the don’ts, even if it is just a simple question, please get in touch, we will be more than happy to help.
Email us at hello@storyofhome.co.uk or call us on 0207 867 3999.
