The recent relaxation of the lockdown requirements from the Government has meant that the property market can essentially now start to`move’ again. Does this mean that the property market is completely free of restrictions? What do you need to know? This is an ever-changing question as guidance changes over time but hopefully, the below quick tips might help.

How will estate agents be able to market my property? How can I view a property that I am interested in?

Estate agents are now coming back to work and re-opening their offices but it is not as simple as returning to their way of working immediately before lockdown. 

The National Association of Estate Agents have issued guidance to their members that means that they must play their part in minimising any potential spread of COVID 19 – https://www.naea.co.uk/news/may-2020/post-pandemic-plan-agents-must-be-clear-communicators-to-confront-virus-fears/. 

There will be a need for them to ensure that they, and people viewing properties, observe the social distancing rules and, are safe. 

As a seller, there may well be understandable reluctance to allow people into your home, and for buyers to walk around and explore houses in the same way. Virtual viewings are going to be key going forward – it means that you can `have a look’ before you go into a property to get a feel for it, and look around the space. It means that buyers will be able to do better research from their own homes, and sellers can minimise the risk of unnecessary viewings. If you are selling, make sure your agents have a strong social media presence, is their website clear and easy to navigate, will they be able to put together quality and easily accessible, online viewings? Are they able to prepare accurate floor plans that buyers can view online? 

As and when a viewing in person is needed, make sure you agree in advance with your agent how the viewing will go, how will they supervise viewers, will you be able to be there? It is also worthwhile making sure that all the surfaces in the house are clean and sanitised and consider leaving the doors open so buyers do not need to use the handles to move around the property. 

As a buyer, maybe consider asking the agents if the sellers will Facetime or WhatsApp with you so that you can explore the property and ask questions of the seller as you go but without physically viewing the property. You will need to view the property physically at some point but this might cut down on unnecessary visits. There is also real merit in doing as much `outside’ research as you can – check out the postcode online, find out about local amenities, take a walk around the area, maybe drive past if you can. As and when you do view the property, again, check with the agent how the viewing will be done and make sure that you always sanitise your hands and try to avoid touching surfaces wherever you can. 

How can I plan? How can I speed things along?

All of the WBW offices have been open through lockdown with conveyancers working across the region to support our clients. The transactions that were on hold due to lockdown are now moving through but there will likely be many new transactions coming to the fore. If you are selling, make sure that you let us know as soon as you are putting the house on the market – we can order a copy of your legal title from the Land Registry, carry out our due diligence requirements and let you have the information papers to complete that any buyer would expect. We can then be ready with a contract pack to send to solicitors acting for your buyer soon after a sale has been agreed to start the ball rolling quickly for you.

If you are buying, there are several things to bear in mind – Local Authorities are taking longer to produce the searches we need at the moment and mortgage offers are also taking extra time to arrive as lender and valuer staff start to come back from being furloughed to process the applications. Again, if you are buying – let us know as soon as you can. We can then carry out the due diligence we need and order the searches required at an early stage to help keep your purchase transaction `on track’. 

How can removal firms work at the moment?

Removal firms also need to comply with the social distancing guidelines and they will need to put in place additional safety measures for their staff when arranging removals. Each removal company will likely risk-assess each move and you will need to comply with, and respect any bespoke requirements the removers expect for your move. The British Association of Removers has also published a useful COVID-19 customer guide and it is well worth a look to give you an idea of their expectations https://bar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/You-can-reduce-moving-day-stress-by-preparing-beforehand.pdf. There is certainly an expectation that whatever you can pack yourselves, you do and that anything for the removers to `move’ is clean. If you are moving and arranging to collect keys, make sure that the agents or the owners sanitize them when they hand them over and that you deep clean the house you are moving into to your satisfaction.

WBW Solicitors has a property team in all of their nine offices across the South West. If you would like to discuss any aspect of a property transaction or just want some advice whilst we are in lockdown please contact sarahwitheridge@wbw.co.uk or visit our property page.