Coronavirus – Housing Market in England Released from Lockdown

Posted on May 12th, 2020

Effective immediately, estate agents can open, viewings can be carried out, and removal firms and conveyancers can re-start operations whilst following social distancing guidelines. We must also bear in mind that the following social distancing guidelines must be followed;

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

All landlords and agents should read the updated gov.uk guidance; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

The government has set out plans to re-start England’s housing market, which has been in deep freeze since the coronavirus lockdown. The changes were contained in the updated lockdown regulations presented to Parliament on Tuesday 12th May.

Buyers and renters had previously been urged to delay moving while the “stay at home” advice was in place.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the changes must be carried out under social distancing and safety rules. He said;

“Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process, from viewings to removals. This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”

Mr Jenrick also said that guidance from Public Health England must continue to be followed. For example, anyone advised to self-isolate should continue to do so and not move home.

The new guidance includes the permission for trades people to operate in homes, provided they follow social distancing advice.

Article abridged from BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52640696

See the regulations; http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/500/made?utm_campaign=11539560_Parliament%20releases%20the%20brakes&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotmailer&dm_i=Z6K,6VBZC,962SLC,RKLLM,1