RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FOR PRIVATE CLIENTS

LOCKDOWN NO 2 – WE’RE STILL UP AND RUNNING!

What an unprecedented year we’ve had since the coronavirus took its grip over the country.
However, even though our office was closed during the initial lockdown in March, we continued to assist our landlords and tenants fielding enquiries about rent, repairs and maintenance.
Since August we’ve had a presence in our office and have been carrying out viewings of both sale and rental properties. We are still very much open for business despite the second lockdown starting on 5 November. This includes in-person property viewings, subject to adhering to government guidelines.
We had already introduced 3D brochures and live viewings into our work procedures before the pandemic but have encouraged more of our clients to allow virtual tours which are helpful for those who are not able to view properties in person.
The government has said that the property market remains open meaning you can move house and hire services to help you move. Tradespeople can also enter your property to carry out alterations, repairs and maintenance.

The property market has been excluded from the national lockdown allowing estate agents to remain open during the second lockdown, due to come into effect on Thursday 5th November.

While we don't know the full details of the lockdown, due to be revealed later this week, Housing minister Robert Jenrick revealed on Twitter – “that 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”.

Letting agents will also still be able to manage their properties because tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, repairers of domestic appliances can enter your home, Jenrick also revealed.

“They will need to follow social distancing guidance that has already been published.”

He also later tweeted that renters will also be able to move home and that both removal firms and estate agents will be ‘able to operate’. It's yet to be confirmed if the branches can remain open but it's likely this is one of the details that will be clarified i nthe coming days.

Mark Hayward imageMark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA Propertymark (left), says: “We welcome the news that the housing market is to remain open throughout this second lockdown period, and it is essential that all agents continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus through following all relevant guidance.

“Agents must operate in accordance with government and Propertymark guidelines, to keep the market moving through these uncertain times.”

The government has put in place a three-tier system with different parts of the country being put in different categories depending on infection rates.
So what does this mean for estate agents?
Estate agents remain open and physical property viewings are permitted although virtual viewings are encouraged before personal visits to minimise public health risks.
London is currently subject to Tier 2 (high alert) restrictions. In relation to estate agents, these are:

1. Follow the Tier 1 (medium alert) rules:
- businesses can continue to operate in a Covid secure way
- property viewings are allowed provided social distancing measures are followed at all times
- social distancing measures include wearing face coverings, regular hand washing and use of sanitiser, staying 2 metres apart, keeping internal doors open during viewings, avoiding touching surfaces where possible
- only two households can be in the property at one time (which includes the agent) but two people in a support bubble with each other will count as part of one household
- no viewings where any party is showing Covid symptoms or has been asked to self-isolate
- open house viewings are not permitted

2. Specific to Tier 2:
- meeting anyone outside your household or support bubble in an indoor setting is not allowed but in-person property viewings can still take place with appropriate precautions
- no meeting in groups of more than 6 outdoors