Buying and selling houses during COVID-19 restrictions – update

“Today we reopen, restart and renew the housing market and the construction industry to protect lives, to save jobs and begin rebuilding our economy,” commented the Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick.

As of 13 May 2020 all estate agents’ offices can reopen and resume some activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of residential property in England.

Buying and selling houses during COVID-19

Both virtual viewings and viewings in person can now take place so long as the safety guidelines are adhered to and social distancing measures are put in place, which is good news for people looking at buying and selling houses during COVID-19 restrictions.

If you are allowing a viewing to take place at your home you should ensure that all internal doors are left open and you should not be present inside the property. Hand washing should take place at the beginning and at the end of the viewing and all surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned after the estate agent and potential buyer have left the property.

Show homes and open house viewings

Show homes can also now reopen and removal companies can resume their business, again as long as social distancing rules are adhered to.

Open house viewings should not take place and speculative viewings will be discouraged.

Buyers and sellers who are self-isolating and those who have coronavirus should not move house and should not be allowing others into their homes. All parties involved in the transaction should prioritise amicable, sensible arrangements to change the moving date for the individuals concerned.

Those who are clinically vulnerable or who are shielding should seek personal and medical advice before committing to a moving date.

You can view more details on the Government guidance here, which will help when it comes to buying and selling houses during COVID-19 restrictions.