The Property Market Is Moving

The government has relaxed the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and the housing market has re-opened and buyers and sellers can once again resume their moving plans.

From Wednesday, May 13 it is acceptable to leave your home to:

  • Visit estate agent’s offices (to include letting agents and show homes);
  • View a property with a view to buying or letting it;
  • Move house;
  • Prepare a property to move into it; and
  • Visit a residential property for any activity required for its sale or rental

This means that we can now get back to helping people to carry out their moving plans. With so many buyers and sellers waiting for lockdown to end, we expect an initial surge of activity set to kick start the housing market and we are ready!

We have quickly adapted to new ways of working in order to adhere to the latest safe working guidelines, many of which are allowing us to work more efficiently than ever.

Each transaction is different and the best advice we can give is to discuss your situation and circumstance with our team of experts to guide you through the challenges. With that in mind we suggest that home movers and others involved in conveyancing transactions consider:

  • Put your property on the market as early as possible and have an exchange ready contract pack ready to issue to a buyer.
  • Ask your agent (and any other professional attending the property) what social distancing measures will be put in place during viewings and do the same of removers when you come to move.
  • Check the lead time for buyers’ searches (this will change depending on Council). If there are delays these should be applied for as quickly as possible; and
  • Make your mortgage application as early as possible so you get in the queue for surveys/valuations

Get in touch, we are here to help.

 

About the Author

Claire Reynolds is an experienced solicitor in our Totnes Office.

Claire handles a broad range of residential property work for local, national and international clients and has established a strong and diverse client base from whom she receives regular repeat business.

Claire can be contacted on 01803 869803 or clr@bartons.co.uk.

 

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