COVID-19: House moves permitted as UK lockdown measures ease
Following the government’s announcement on Sunday 10th May, further guidance has been issued for home movers and prospective buyers and sellers.
As of Wednesday 13th May, the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 have been amended to allow:
- Home moves
- Viewing properties for sale or for let
- Visiting properties to prepare for sale or rent (eg valuations, surveys etc)
- Visiting estate agents, new build developers and show homes
According to Zoopla, around 373,000 property sales had been put on hold*, so the announcement will be welcome news for many.
What does the new guidance mean for buyers and sellers?
Any home moves that had been delayed due to lockdown can now resume. Your conveyancer will be in touch to discuss the next steps for your sale and/or purchase and will advise on any potential delays from third parties that may still exist in the current circumstances.
When your move takes place, you should maintain the government’s guidance on social distancing. Please note, households in self-isolation or shielding due to coronavirus cannot move under the new guidance. If this is the case, your conveyancer will be able to advise you on the next steps.
When can I move?
If you’ve already exchanged contracts, a completion date will need to be agreed by all parties in the chain before your move can go ahead. You conveyancer will liaise with the other party’s solicitor.
If you’re yet to exchange contracts, we will arrange for you to sign the required documentation before agreeing a completion date with the rest of your chain.
I’d like to start/continue house hunting. Where can I get a quote for the legal work?
You can call our team on 0113 264 4414 and we will be happy to advise you on the costs associated with moving home. Alternatively, you can get a free, no obligation quote with our quote calculator on our website.
To discuss your move with a member of our conveyancing team, please call 0113 264 4414 or email conveyancing@emsleys.co.uk.
*https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52641373
