COVID-19 Moving House

In light of the current restrictions on movement due to COVID-19 can buyers still collect the keys to their new home and what are the risks?

During these challenging times, cleanliness is of paramount importance and extra measures are being taken to help keep everyone safe. The handing over of keys to buyers is usually carried out by Estate Agents or staff at the Site Offices of new build estates. Key safes can be used to avoid face to face contact. They are usually plastic or metal so they can be easily wiped over with anti-bacterial wipes or gel.  The safes are strong and versatile and either hook over the front door or they can be attached to the wall at the front of the property.

When it comes to moving day and once completion has taken place, the code to the key safe can be released to the buyer. The Estate Agent or Site Office staff will disclose the code and it is important this is only given to the buyer and buyers should not disclose the code to anyone else. Access to the key safe will not be possible without the code. Once the key is inserted into the lock safe system the buyer will be prompted to enter the code and access to the keys will be granted.

For new build homes, buyers may increasingly request that properties receive a more full and deeper clean on completion. It is standard practice that all new build homes are professionally cleaned before the property is completed and handed over to a new owner. Any further cleaning treatments will be at the discretion of the developer, on a case by case basis, and will be at an extra cost to the buyer.