020 7953 7040
info@ccameron.co.uk
Charles Cameron & Associates
Blackfriars Foundry
154-156 Blackfriars Road
London SE1 8EN
June 26, 2020
Information published was correct at the time of writing
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The good news is that in the middle of May, the Government relaxed the rules on moving home so the housing market is active once again.
However, strict guidance is in place so that everyone can stay safe. So, some of the things you were used to when buying or selling a home have changed.
What is now allowed?
You can now move home. You can also visit estate agents, carry out viewings or visit a show home.
Surveyors can carry out physical surveys at a property again, as can valuers. Removal firms are also allowed to operate normally.
What are the rules around home viewings?
If you’ve been house hunting before, then viewing a property is where the biggest difference will be felt.
If it’s your house that is being viewed, there are some basic things you’re going to need to do to minimise the risk of the virus being spread.
Above all, if any member of your household is displaying coronavirus-like symptoms or self-isolating, you shouldn’t let anyone come and view your property. You should also think very carefully before allowing viewings if you are vulnerable or shielding.
Your estate agent will be asking you to keep the viewing brief, and open viewings on hold.
If you’re planning on house hunting, then expect to be told to take a virtual tour first. If you do then decide to go for an in-person viewing, the Government is asking for the bare minimum number of people to take part – they certainly don’t want the whole family turning up to look around, if at all possible.
When viewing the house, you will be asked to:
What are the changes to the buying / selling process?
This is where you will find the least changes. Offers can be made and accepted as normal, surveys and valuations booked, and contracts exchanged and completed.
You should expect things to be a lot slower, though. With the housing market completely shut down for two months, there is quite a backlog of surveys, valuations and so on, that are being worked through.
Face to face meetings with your solicitor are also out of the question at the moment, so expect all your ID checks to be carried out online – make sure you can access a scanner, or ask your solicitor and mortgage adviser what other formats of identification documents are acceptable.
The Government is also asking for everyone to be flexible in these difficult times. If you or the person you are buying from or selling to has to self-isolate, then you won’t be able to complete the move. In fact, solicitors are being asked to add clauses that allow for such delays which is very unusual.
How is the moving process affected?
Removal firms are back up and running but the stresses of moving day may increase, depending on your point of view. Expect to be asked to do the following:
All these changes might sound a bit daunting but if everyone follows these basic guidelines then everyone can stay safe and the housing market can keep operating.