Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has confirmed that the housing market will remain open during the new lockdown in England.
On Monday evening (4 January) it was announced that there will be a third national lockdown in England with everyone being asked to immediately stay at home and only leave for specific reasons. But, unlike the first lockdown, the housing market is to remain open for business.
The revised guidance, confirmed that activities related to home moving during the coronavirus remains unchanged. This means people in England will be able to move and removal firms, tradespeople, and industry suppliers such as Chartered Surveyors, property management companies, lettings and estate agents can still operate. If you are looking to move, you can go to property viewings, but adherence to safety and social distancing remains crucial. The regulations will be laid before parliament on Tuesday, will be subject to a vote on Wednesday and are expected to remain in place until the middle of February.
Watsons Head of Business Operations, Alison Crawford, said: “it is good news that the property industry remains open, this means that we can continue with arranging viewings with seriously interested buyers, undertake valuations and surveys, site and property inspections as well as other necessary property visits. It is crucial that that agents operate in accordance with the most up to date guidelines to help keep everyone safe and the housing market moving through these uncertain times”.
Head of Residential Sales, Lettings & Management Nick Eley added “as a buyer or seller, landlord or tenant you should ensure that your agent is adhering to all safety and social distancing measures at all times, if not, you should progress with extreme caution or consider changing agent”.
You can view the Watsons Covid-19 safety pledge here: Keeping you safe: Our assurance to you – Watsons Property (watsons-property.co.uk)
The latest government guidance can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
