Paula Woodland, Partner and head of residential property at Risdon Hosegood Solicitors explains that on the 13th May 2020 the Government updated the Coronavirus Covid-19 Regulations to make clear that people who wish to move home can do so again.
Their guidance in full can be read here
It provides important public health information to ensure that moving home and key activities around this, such as viewing property, can happen safely.
People are free to move home, however the process of finding and moving into a new home is likely to be different, as those involved in the process will need to adapt practices and procedures to ensure that the risk of spread of coronavirus is reduced as far as possible. It is vital that everyone stays alert and safe.
You can put your home on the market and start to look for properties you want to move into.
You can begin to market your home and estate agents are able to visit in order to take photos/videos of the property, although to help prevent the spread of infection, people are encouraged to do the majority of their property searching online.
If you wish to buy a new build property you should make contact with the developer in the usual way. You should be able to view the show home or visit the particular plot you are interested in purchasing, although there will be appointment systems in place.
You are free to make or accept an offer or reserve a property as normal.
Removal firms are able to operate, although they may need to adjust usual procedures in order to ensure moves happen as safely as possible.
Solicitors and conveyancers can take on new instructions and Paula explains we have our systems in place, whilst keeping the office buildings closed for the safety of our clients and staff, to carry out the work remotely, with adaptions and flexibility to accommodate safety and to process the property transactions as smoothly as possible and will be very pleased to assist.
