Housing market resumes: welcome news for buyers and renters

Wed 13th May 2020

Sarah Cowley, Partner in Coodes Solicitors’ Residential Property team, welcomes the news that property viewings and house moves will re-start in England.

Since the lockdown was introduced in March, an estimated 450,000 people in England have been waiting to move into homes they are in the process of buying or renting.

We welcome the plans to restart the housing market, which have been announced by the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, and are designed to enable people to move home safely whilst still adhering to social distancing advice.

On 27th March, the Government advised people to delay moving into new homes to avoid breaking social distancing rules.

The amended regulations, which take effect today (Wednesday 13th May), mean that estate agents and letting offices, developer offices and show homes and removal companies are able to operate. Anyone in England can now move house if they follow the new Government guidance, which means adhering to social distancing. The emphasis is on enabling people to move home safely ensuring the protection of everyone involved.

The announcement follows the return of many workers to construction sites on Monday. It is the news the housing market has been waiting for though anyone involved in any aspect of property sales or purchases will be aware of the need and importance of acting responsibly to ensure social distancing.

The new regulations enable the following activities in connection with a purchase, sale, letting or rental or a property:

  • Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes
  • Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent
  • Preparing a residential property to move into
  • Moving home
  • Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property

Those who have patiently waited to move are now able to do so, as long as they follow the guidelines. At Coodes we will be immediately informing our clients of this important change and will make every effort to ensure that those who are currently waiting to complete their sale or purchase can now do so quickly with the minimum of further worry at this challenging time.

For further information, please contact the Residential Property team on 0800 328 3282.

Wed 13th May 2020

Sarah Cowley

Head of Residential Property

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