As we all know, we’re back in lockdown – being known as Lockdown 2.0 – to stem the rising number of cases, hospitalisations and deaths from Covid-19.
It’s set to last until December 2, but could go on beyond that if the R number isn’t below 1 or if cases aren’t falling enough. Even then, Lockdown 2.0 is expected to be replaced by the tiered system the government introduced in the weeks before it shut England down again.
But it’s not quite the same as the lockdown in the spring, and is certainly not all doom and gloom from a property perspective. That’s because, this time out, the property market is being allowed to stay open and people are still allowed to buy, sell and move home as long as they adhere to Covid guidelines and public health measures at all times.
This news was especially important because of the booming nature of the market, fuelled by the stamp duty surge, low interest rates and generally positive buying and selling conditions.
Here, we look at what the government said when allowing the sector to keep operating and how buyers and sellers can continue to help boost the economy by ‘Moving Out to Help Out’.
The market remains open
A few days before Lockdown 2.0 began, the government revealed that the housing market could stay open during England’s four-week lockdown.
The news was confirmed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on Twitter, on the same Saturday evening that Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown in a TV address to the public.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted: “Q: Can I still move house? A: Yes – the housing market will remain open throughout this period. Everyone should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance.” That guidance, last updated in August, can be seen here, and comprehensively outlines the do’s and don’ts of moving during the pandemic. This includes handwashing frequently, limiting contact between households, social distancing, carrying out virtual viewings where possible, and ensuring a property is thoroughly cleaned before someone moves in.
Sellers are also advised to vacate their property during an in-person viewing and open all internal doors to increase ventilation. What’s more, open-house viewings are off the table and physical viewings should only be by appointment-only.
Everyone should wear face coverings during a viewing, unless they have an exemption, while buyers should avoid touching surfaces wherever possible, wash their hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser.
If buyers need to be accompanied by small children, it’s important they keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly.
Meanwhile, when moving between properties, the government advises that ‘you and those in your household should try to do as much of the packing yourself as you can. Where this is not possible, you should speak to removal firms in advance. If you are particularly worried about the risk of
infection, then speak to your landlord, estate agent or removers as they may be able to put extra precautionary measures in place’.
The day before the new national lockdown in England, the government unveiled the public health regulations to underpin it - and the exemptions which apply to estate agency.
The regulations, which received overwhelming approval in Parliament – and came into effect at midnight on Thursday November 5 - specifically state that activities relating to the sector are allowed to continue under ‘Exceptions To Leaving Home’.
As a result, people can leave home to carry out 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 to rent;
(iii) preparing a residential property to move in;
(iv) moving house;
(v) visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property.
Timothy Douglas, policy and communications manager at estate agency trade body Propertymark, welcomed the official guidance.
“Following the laying of regulations for national lockdown measures in England we are very pleased that the importance of the property sector has been recognised with exceptions in the rules for home moves as well as visits to branches and allowing agents to visit property to undertake any required activities,” he said.
“Buying, selling and renting a home will continue and must be done in a Covid-secure way and in accordance with the guidance. We will keep members updated throughout the coming days and weeks.”
‘Moving Out to Help Out’
In a similar way to how the Chancellor’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme helped to get the economy back into shape, and the hospitality sector back on its feet, over the summer, now is a good time for buyers and sellers to do their bit for the economy by ‘Moving Out to Help Out’ – in a Covid-compliant, pragmatic way.
One of the big reasons the property market has been allowed to remain open is its status as a multiplier, whereby it encourages spending elsewhere in the economy. So, for example, someone buying or selling a home will require other services such as removals firms, conveyancers, furniture providers, lenders, builders, plumbers, electricians, etc.
Fortunately, it remains a very good time to buy or sell, with conditions remaining positive for both parties in a transaction.
For buyers, the opportunity for stamp duty savings, low interest rates and a competitive mortgage market are helping to drive demand, while for sellers the very high demand is helping to keep prices high.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the next few months in North London, East London, Essex or Hertfordshire, we are here to help you to ‘Move Out to Help Out’.
Here at Kings Group, our offices are still in operation from 9am to 6pm as we continue to adhere to our Covid-19 policy. For more information on how we can assist you on your selling journey, please contact one of our branches today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your home could be worth on the current market.
