Getting the Property Market Moving COVID-Secure
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 10 May, detailed guidance on bringing businesses out of lockdown was published late on 11 May 2020 with the final law published today.
Our Employment and Commercial Teams are now providing risk assessments for businesses to support their employees’ safe return to the workplace.
So what does this mean for the Property Market?
Providing Government guidelines are followed and the necessary risk assessments are undertaken, the key players in the property market can now begin to phase a return back to business.
We believe there may be some confusion in the Estate Agency and Removal firm sectors as to how they can currently operate, particularly in respect of viewings and house moves. The latest Government guidelines and legislation, if properly followed, now allow both to take place.
(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/500/pdfs/uksi_20200500_en.pdf)
The confusion in the sector can end; the position is now quite clear.
The legislation introduced on 12 May 2020 provides that with effect 13 May 2020 the following activities are lawful during lockdown, if they are in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property.
- Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;
- Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent;
- Preparing a residential property to move in;
- Moving home;
- Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property.
It is now clear that providing the guidance below is followed, Estate Agents and Removal Firms are able to operate within “other people’s homes”. The below guidance applies to those working in or visiting home environments. We believe such work would include safely arranging a property valuation, a survey or viewing and removing furniture and other items from one home to another.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes
Further, there is also guidance for how removal companies should operate to ensure those working in vehicles can do so if workers travel to locations separately and avoid travelling in the removal van together.
In line with the new Government Guidance we are now expecting to see Estate Agents, Removal Companies and Valuers/Surveyors return to work, provided that they are able to operate a safe working environment and follow the necessary guidance and law in regards to risk assessments and the health and safety of their employees, clients and third parties.
What we are doing at Leathes Prior?
Throughout this crisis we have continued to progress transactions as far as possible with all our conveyancers staying fully employed and fully resourced, whether working from home or in the office. As such, we are ideally placed to deal promptly with all matters seamlessly without a transition period. We understand from a number of sources there is much ‘pent up’ demand in the market, Leathes Prior is here and ready to help.
If you would like us to provide an update or to give an estimate to potential clients please contact us by email or phone 01603 610 911. Now, more than ever, good communication is key to the conveyancing process.