Notwithstanding the further restrictions imposed earlier this week, you are still allowed to move home.  However, the process of finding and moving into a new home is likely to be different, as all of those involved in the process will need to adapt practices and procedures.

The Government advice is that in order to minimise public risks and allow home moves to happen as safely as possible, the following measures should be followed:-

Steps in the moving home process

Preparing to buy, sell or move home

You can put your home on the market and start to look for properties you want to move into.  You can begin to market your home and Estate Agents are able to visit to take photos or videos of the property (unless any member of the household being viewed is showing symptoms or is self-isolating). You can also start to bring together the documents necessary to sell your property and the Survey and Home Report can also be carried out.

If you are buying a new build property, you should make contact with the housebuilder in the usual way. You should be able to view the show home or visit the particular property you are interested in purchasing by appointment only and in accordance with the public health guidelines.  The developer or builder may also have their own procedures and you should check with them before viewing.

Making Offers

You are free to make an offer or reserve a property as normal. 

There is a greater risk that parties may need to delay their move because someone is showing symptoms of Covid19 or self-isolating and you can discuss this with your solicitor.

Prospective purchasers may wish to visit a property again once Missives have been concluded, for example, to measure up.  Where this has been agreed, the advice on prioritising virtual visits, hygiene measures, maintaining physical distancing at all times and mitigating contact should be followed.  Equally, if you want to send in trade people to carry out inspections once Missives are concluded, these should if possible, be scheduled with one person visiting the property at any one time.

Hopefully, you have found this summary of the Government guidelines to be of assistance and do not hesitate to contact our property department if you wish us to take the steps necessary to put your property on the market, or if you are looking to put an offer in.