03300 885 792 CLIENT LOG IN
Buying and selling homes during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
Anna Hughes • Apr 15, 2020
Anna Hughes takes a look at the Government guidance and the practical issues of moving during the pandemic
The Government guidance that has been issued, states that home buyers and renters should, where possible, delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to reduce the spread of the virus. This does not mean that transactions cannot still proceed so long as they proceed in accordance with the guidance.
So lets look at the practical implications of the guidance
If the property is vacant
The guidance advises that you can continue with the transaction if the property is vacant, however the Government guidelines must still be adhered to in respect of trades persons, such as removal men.
‘Removers should follow the latest government guidance which currently (26 March 2020) state that work carried out in people’s homes can continue, provided the trades person is well and has no symptoms or coronavirus (COVID-19).’
If the property is occupied
The guidance advises that if contracts have already been exchanged and the property is currently occupied, all parties should work together to agree a delay when the social distancing restrictions have been lifted.
Furthermore, ‘If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus’.
Moves deemed critical are currently exempt from the emergency police enforcement powers. However, the health and safety of everyone involved in the transaction remains paramount.
If contracts have not been exchanged, it is advisable to hold fire but ensure all of the paperwork is ready, so exchange can happen as soon as it is safe to do so.
If completion does not take place after contracts have been exchanged due to Covid-19, the parties not completing will be in default. This can result in notices to complete, penalty interest and the loss of a deposit. All parties must be aware of the risks associated with the transaction during this time.
What if an extension goes beyond the term of the mortgage offer?
The guidance advises that ‘All mortgage lenders are working to find ways to enable customers who have exchanged contracts to extend their mortgage offer for up to 3 months to enable them to move at a later date.’
Can properties still be advertised?
Properties already on the market can still be advertised and offers can still be accepted during the pandemic. To prevent the property market coming to a standstill, agents and solicitors are finding new ways to swiftly adapt. For example, we are seeing agents setting up virtual viewings of properties. Solicitors have also been working hard to re-negotiate completion dates to protect their client’s position and to prevent as much disruption as possible.
What if a property is not on the market yet?
Despite offices being closed, agents can still assist buyers and vendors remotely. Although they cannot actively market the property as no visitors can enter to conduct EPC assessments, valuations etc, they can still get everything together ready for when the guidelines on social distancing are relaxed.
So transactions can still go ahead; they may just take longer during this difficult time and must be carried out using pragmatism and common sense.
If you would like to take a closer look at the Government guidance it can be accessed using this link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Contact Us
News & Insights
Discover how Woodstock Legal Services is expanding its conveyancing expertise nationwide with strategic hires in London, Shropshire, Bournemouth, and the Cotswolds. Meet the new team enhancing high-value property transactions.
Woodstock Legal Services continues its regional expansion, welcoming Tony Bertin , a highly respected Consultant Employment Solicitor with over 45 years of experience in em ployment law. Based in Kent, Tony has witnessed the evolution of employment law firsthand, including the establishment of the UK's first employment tribunals. Tony has a hard-earned reputation for assisting both employers and employees across the country, with particular expertise in the Southeast and London. His unparalleled depth of knowledge makes him a trusted source of advice for all aspects of employment law. Speaking about joining Woodstock, Tony said: "I’ve seen employment law transform dramatically since those early tribunals. While it offers more robust protections today, the field has also become increasingly complex. That's why I'm thrilled to join the forward-thinking team at Woodstock Legal Services and help clients navigate this ever-evolving landscape. Their commitment to staying ahead of the curve aligns perfectly with my own dedication to providing strategic employment law solutions." Tony joins Woodstock's established employment team, working alongside Amy Cousineau-Massey and Richard Hiron , both of whom have significant experience in contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. Together, the team covers a wide range of employment law issues throughout England and Wales. This includes expert guidance on contract reviews, settlement agreements, redundancy processes, mediation, and tribunal defence. The team has also quickly established an enviable reputation for advising business leaders, senior executives, directors, and board members in workplace disputes. Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services said: “We are delighted to welcome Tony to our team. His unparalleled experience provides our clients with a strategic advantage in the ever-evolving field of employment law.” Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now has an impressive team of over 50, attracting top legal talent from regions including Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Contact Our Specialist Employment Law Solicitor For employment law guidance, contact Tony Bertin at 0330 1800206 or t.bertin@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk . Alternatively, fill in the form below and a member of our team will contact you.
Be informed about potential family court fee changes in 2024. Learn how they affect divorce, child arrangements, and what you can do.
Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of using guarantors for your rental properties. Get expert advice from Woodstock Legal Services' landlord solicitors.
Learn about cuckooing, a serious threat where criminals exploit vulnerable tenants. Get tips to safeguard your property and tenants, plus legal advice from Woodstock Legal Services.
Simplify shared ownership. Get a clear guide on eligibility, costs, staircasing, and how it can make your homeownership dream achievable. Expert advice included.
Woodstock Legal Services continues its national expansion by welcoming experienced Residential Conveyancing Solicitor Arvinder Samra to its growing high-value property team. Based in Warwickshire, Arvinder (Arvi) brings over 20 years of specialised experience in high-value residential property transactions, serving clients throughout the Warwickshire region. With a proven track record at large national law firms, Arvi has extensive knowledge in sales, purchases, and all aspects of residential conveyancing , with a particular focus on Warwickshir e conveyancing. Arvi brings a hard-earned reputation in residential conveyancing and is well-versed in the complexities of high-value property transactions in sought-after Warwickshire locations like Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon. Commenting on joining Woodstock, Arvi said: "Woodstock's consultancy model empowers me to manage my caseload strategically, focus on high-touch service, and ensure each client receives the exceptional attention they truly deserve. “Fortunately, I've always been able to ease the stress often associated with property transactions by taking on the heavy lifting and building strong client relationships founded on trust and exceeding their expectations." Arvi values the flexibility Woodstock offers, enabling him to maintain a healthy work-life balance and tailor his approach to individual client needs. This aligns with the Woodstock Legal Services commitment to attracting professionals seeking a fresh, family-oriented alternative to the constraints of traditional law firms. Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services, said: "We're thrilled to have Arvi join our team. Arvi’s commitment to providing a truly personalised experience, with an emphasis on reducing client stress, fits perfectly with the Woodstock approach." In a year that marks Woodstock’s 10th anniversary, 2024 continues to see further expansion across the regions as more lawyers leave traditional law firms and turn to the more modern consultancy-based approach to offering quality legal services to clients. Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now has an impressive team of over 50, attracting top legal talent from regions like Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Carly continued: "We're seeing an increasing trend of experienced lawyers choosing consultancy, a community-focused model allowing our lawyers to focus on delivering exceptional service to their clients.” Contact Our Warwickshire Residential Property Solicitor For residential conveyancing in Warwickshire , contact Arvinder Samra on 01926 911246 or email a.samra@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk .
Woodstock Legal Services continues its strategic expansion with the addition of Consultant Licensed Conveyancer Charlotte O'Driscoll and Conveyancing Consultant Claire Cousins . The duo brings significant combined experience to the firm's Oxford team, bolstering its ability to serve clients in Oxford and surrounding areas. Specialising in all aspects of residential property , both Claire and Charlotte have extensive experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing, from sales and purchases to remortgages and Transfers of Equity. Charlotte O'Driscoll focuses on high-value residential property transactions, leveraging over 20 years of expertise. Claire Cousins , with her 20 years of property law knowledge and history of working alongside Charlotte, adds further depth to this dynamic team. "We're delighted to have Charlotte and Claire join our growing presence in Oxford," said Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services. "Their collective skillset and commitment to exceptional client service are perfectly aligned with Woodstock's approach. This move signals our focus on attracting top talent within the Oxfordshire property sector." In a year that marks Woodstock’s 10th anniversary, 2024 continues to see further expansion across the regions as more lawyers leave traditional law firms and turn to the more modern consultancy-based approach to offering quality legal services to clients. Drawn to Woodstock Legal's innovative consultancy model, both Charlotte and Claire value the autonomy and flexibility it offers. "Woodstock's structure allows me to take true ownership of my caseload and provide a customised, responsive approach for each client," says Charlotte O'Driscoll . "The focus on high-value properties lets me delve deep into the detail which is what I enjoy." Claire Cousins adds, "The positive, family-oriented atmosphere at Woodstock is refreshing. There's a shared focus on delivering excellence, without the rigidity often found in larger law firms. I appreciate the support I have here, along with the freedom to build relationships directly with my clients." Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now boasts an impressive team of over 45, attracting top legal talent from regions like Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Contact Our Residential Property Specialists in Oxford For residential conveyancing guidance in the Oxford area, contact Woodstock Legal Services. Reach Charlotte O'Driscoll at c.odriscoll@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or Claire Cousins at c.cousins@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk .
Ambitious Dorset law firm Woodstock Legal Services has further strengthened its family team with the appointment of another experienced family solicitor. Family lawyer, Emilie Holland joins Woodstock Legal Services as a Consultant Family Solicitor and joins its highly regarded family law team , having already built an enviable reputation across Hampshire, Wiltshire and the South Coast having previously worked for a number of regional law firms. Surrey-born Emilie has over 14 years of experience dealing with family matters arising from separation, including high-net-worth divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, cohabitation, complex financial settlements, asset protection and children disputes. Emilie also has vast experience dealing with relationship matters, including injunction proceedings, cohabitation agreements, and Pre-Nuptial Agreements. Commenting on her appointment, Emilie said: “I’m delighted to join the ambitious growth here at Woodstock Legal Services, which has achieved impressive growth over the last few years and is a firm breaking the mould with how they provide legal services" She continued: “The family team are not only held in high regard but are a team of passionate and committed lawyers who take so much pride in their work for clients. “Working within family law is highly rewarding, supporting people through difficult and emotional times and ultimately trying to find constructive solutions.” The Woodstock Legal Services family team already have an excellent reputation across Dorset and the South Coast. Emilie’s appointment takes the Woodstock family law team to three, with family solicitor Amy Langlois joining Woodstock in Bournemouth and, more recently, highly experienced family solicitor Karen Layland joining the firm last month . The family team advises on a wide range of matters, including divorce, separation, cohabitation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements, arrangements for children and financial settlement arrangements. Carly Jermyn , CEO at Woodstock Legal Services, said: “We are delighted to have Emilie join our growing family team. We’ve quickly established a solid reputation in the Dorset region, and I’m pleased that Emilie has joined to help us offer our family law services further afield. Her extensive experience in family law will continue to complement our wealth of legal services to clients. Emilie's appointment showcases our commitment to providing clients with the highest quality legal services, making an already emotional time as manageable as possible.” In a year which marks Woodstock’s 10-year anniversary, 2024 continues to see further expansion across the regions as more lawyers leave traditional law firms and turn to the more modern consultancy-based approach to offering quality legal services to clients. Woodstock Legal Services has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in Canford Cliffs, Poole, in 2014. The firm now boasts an impressive team of over 45 , attracting top legal talent from regions like Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands, and Wales. The firm's growth can be attributed to its flexible, consultancy-based approach to legal work and unwavering commitment to client service. Emilie continued: “The flexibility of the consultancy model offered by Woodstock is increasingly attractive to busy lawyers, particularly to those with young families. It’s a model that allows lawyers to focus on providing clients with the level of service and support they deserve while balancing a professional and personal life.” If you would like to discuss your legal options with our family law solicitors , please contact Emilie Holland on 0330 088 5792 or email e.holland@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk .
0330 088 5792
11 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7LE
