Following the end of March lockdown agents were forced to shut their offices, stop all in-person viewings, routine inspections and delay house moves where possible to reduce the spread of the virus. Whilst some agents did their best to adapt by offering services such as virtual viewings, there was an inevitable freeze to the housing market.

The property market is now thawing, and agents can resume their work thanks to an amendment to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.

It is now possible to undertake any of the following activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property:

(i)                 visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes; 

(ii)               viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent;

(iii)               preparing a residential property to move in; 

(iv)               moving home;

(v)                visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property

This is great news and a key step to kick start the property market, which will no doubt be welcomed by agents, whilst continuing to observe social distancing.

If you have any questions relating to the sale, purchase of letting of your property then please feel free to contact the team and we will be happy to help.