With the whole of England under the latest national lockdown from 5th January, the Government has issued new guidance on property sales and viewings.
The message is that in general terms the property sector should carry on as before, when movement and contact was less restricted. However, the current guidelines stress that all meetings and transactions must comply with regulations on social distancing and gatherings, and have updated their instructions accordingly.
Estate Agents, letting firms, conveyancers, surveyors and solicitors can all stay open and take on new instructions. Removal firms are also able to operate. Wherever possible viewings and other forms of contact should be made remotely. Anyone who visits a client’s home must follow the latest government guidelines on Hands, Face, Space. This means washing hands regularly and for 20 seconds, wearing a face mask indoors, and keeping 2 metres apart where possible. Ideally you should meet people outdoors when making a home visit, or if this requires entering the property then allowing fresh air in at the same time as following the other guidelines is recommended.
Physical viewings of property are permitted, but only by appointment. Open house viewings must not be held. Homeowners should ideally leave the property during viewings, and door handles and other surfaces should be disinfected before and after visits. People outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.
Mortgage lender Halifax reports that residential property prices rose by 6% last year, aided in the second half of the year by pent-up demand, the desire for more space, and the stamp duty holiday. Halifax suggests that prices will not be as strong in 2021 as economic activity slows and unemployment increases. However, any extension of the stamp duty holiday and a Brexit “bounce” could easily turn market predictions on their head.
Bretherton Law have been serving the people of Hertfordshire for over 50 years. Our team of experienced Property Lawyers will ensure that whether you are buying or selling, the conveyancing process will run smoothly and professionally. We offer a same day response promise as well as fixed fee quotes. Bretherton Law are accredited under the Lexcel legal practice and the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Schemes. Contact Lucy Madley on 01727 869293 or visit our website https://brethertonlaw.co.uk/
For more information see: National lockdown: Stay at Home
