Unlike the first lockdown in March 2020, the property market remains open. The latest government guidance states that, in England, carrying out activities relating to buying, selling or renting are reasonable excuses to leave home.

Can I still view properties?

Yes you can. Many estate agents have had to change the way they usually operate to enable them to follow the guidance issued to keep their staff and clients safe. To help prevent the spread of the virus, 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. Virtual viewings online are a popular option, keeping contact to a minimum especially if you are looking at a number of properties. It’s a good start to gauge any serious interest before arranging a physical viewing.

If you do want to view a property in person, most agents are still offering that service but expect you to follow some basic rules such as wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing of 2 meters, only viewing the property with people from your household or support bubble and cleaning hands thoroughly before and after entering the property.

Can I get work done in my home in readiness to put it on the market?

The current government guidance allows tradesmen and cleaners in to your home to carry out any work you require. So, if your home needs a deep clean or a boiler service before getting it on the market, then, you can arrange for those to be done as long as everyone you instruct or employ follows the necessary safety guidance. They may also have their own safety guidelines they will expect you to follow before they enter your home.

It is also a good idea to get any paperwork relating to your current home ready and easily accessible as they may be required by your solicitor or the other sides solicitor throughout the property transaction. Any paperwork or documents you feel will be necessary to sell your property should be handed to your Solicitor at the outset of your matter so that they have all the information they need and to avoid any potential delays.

Can I still use a removal firm?

Yes you can, most removal firms are still continuing to work throughout the lockdown. Like estate agents, they will also require all parties to comply with safety guidelines to keep their staff and clients safe. Most removal firms will let you know in advance what their safety guidelines are before attending your property.

It is been advised that you do as much of the packing by yourself and where possible wipe down and sanitise any surfaces that will be handled by someone else. When the removal team is in your property, it will not be possible to offer them any refreshments and if it is necessary for you to be in the property at the same time, it is advised that you maintain at least a 2 meter distance.

Should I expect any delays in moving?

The conveyancing process remains the same as before but it is possible that some of the conveyancing processes could be a little slower than usual. There are a number of reasons for these small delays such as companies operating on reduced staff or that they may have a back log from last year or they are simply very busy due to an influx in the market after the stamp duty holiday announcement and the deadline drawing closer.

Other delays outside of the Solicitors control are also impacting the time it is taking for a property transaction to progress to completion, including the length of time it is taking for mortgage applications to be offered and the length of time taken for Local Authority searches to be returned. This is therefore something to bear in mind.

Here at Pinkney Grunwells we have all our staff back working either from home or safely in the office, but we can only go as fast as the other parties involved. Sometimes there may be more of a delay than you would usually expect but rest assured we are doing all we can to get you moved as efficiently as possible. The Solicitor acting on your behalf will be able to keep you updated as to the progress of your matter(s) throughout.

Is there anything else I should be aware of if I am considering moving?

If you have applied for a mortgage and have been successfully offered a mortgage, before exchange of contracts, your Solicitor will ask you if there have been any changes in your circumstances since making your mortgage application. If therefore you have been furloughed, lost your job, or have been working reduced hours, these are all things that have to be reported to your lender and therefore it is important that you inform your Solicitor of this as soon as they happen to avoid any delays at the point all parties are ready to exchange contracts.

Please also bear in mind that, we are processing government updates and information as fast as it is changing and coming to us so at certain points the information we provide may change if further information is given to us about the process.

How will I sign any relevant paperwork?

Most paperwork you will be required to sign can be done from home and sent back to us.

If you do need to sign something in the office you will be required to make an appointment in advance with your solicitor and follow our safety guidelines below:

·        Wear a face covering at all times (unless medically exempt)

·        Sanitise your hands on arrival

·        Maintain social distance from all staff

·        Attend appointments alone where possible

·        Avoid arriving to your appointment early or late as you may not be allowed access in to the offices

Pinkney Grunwells are currently working behind closed doors but we are still here to provide our full range of services via a number of contactless ways. We will only see clients in a face to face appointment if absolutely necessary as we are trying to limit contact with clients where possible to create a safe environment for our staff to be in should they be working from the office.