Customer update from Edwards Estate Agents
As England enters a four-week national lockdown, the Government have confirmed that the property market will be allowed to continue to operate, as long as the required Coronvirus guidelines are followed.
Whilst the team here at Edwards have given much thought and consideration to this position, we believe the way to continue to serve the best interests of our customers is to remain open.
With many of our existing customers looking to take advantage of the Government Stamp Duty Holiday, our focus is to assist those clients that are already in the process of buying or selling property. As well as those customers still looking to buy, sell or rent a property.
It is our plan to keep all of our offices open during this second lockdown period, on the very strict understanding that our priority is to do our utmost to keep both our team and our customers as safe as possible, adhering to the government guidance.
Your Questions Answered –
Q – Am I able to move during the lockdown?
A- The simple answer is Yes! Robert Jenrick the UK Housing Secretary confirmed that estate and letting agents are able to continue to operate during the lockdown.
To be clear, this is not just restricted to existing property transactions but also includes those wishing to have their home valued, view properties and visit new homes showrooms.
It is also permissible for banks and building societies to carry our mortgage valuations and surveys.
It is understandable that these activities are all subject the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering.
Q – Am I able to put my property on the market?
A – Again, Yes! Homeowners are able to put their property on the market as well as look for a property to buy or rent. As long as the Government guidance is followed.
Edwards are still able to visit your home to provide a Valuation, prepare property particulars and take photos of your property.
To help prevent the spread of infection, the government recommends that you carry out initial property searches online, and only visit a property in person when you are seriously considering making an offer on it.
If you’re planning to buy a new-build property, you should contact the developer. You should be able to make an appointment to view the show home or visit the particular plot you are interested in purchasing.
Q – Am I able to view a property that I’m interested in buying or renting?
A – Yes! Both people looking to buy or rent a property can continue to view properties.
As social distancing is a key requirement of Government guidance, we suggest that you try as much as possible to limit the number of physical viewings and do as much virtually as you are able. This reduces the number of viewings both you and the agents does, which also minimises the spread of germs.
When viewing a property in person, make sure you wear a face mask, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands or use sanitiser before and after.
There shouldn’t be more than two households within the property at any one time, and viewings should only be arranged by appointment, so ‘open houses’ aren’t happening at the moment.
If you’re selling your home and are having interested buyers come around to have a look, open all the inside doors beforehand so they don’t have to touch the door handles.
It’s recommended that you’re not in the property during the viewing and that you disinfect all surfaces after.
Q – I’m in the middle of buying a home, are additional delays expect during lockdown?
A – Yes! It is possible that some delays may occur in certain parts of the buying process, the legal (conveyancing) process may be slower than usual.
This is because some solicitors and agents may be operating at limited capacity, or are very busy working through deals that have stacked up since earlier in the year.
If you’re about to enter into a legally binding contract, you should discuss the possible implications of one of the parties being affected by having to self-isolate or quarantine. Ask your legal representative if they can include provisions to manage these risks in the contracts.
If you have any other questions please contact your local Edwards office.