The start to move forward
Yesterday evening it was announced that the property sector was going to have its restrictions eased from the 13 May. These restrictions have been in place since the 26th March which brought a rapidly increasing market buoyancy to a complete stand still.
Like many people I’m sure, I was a little surprised that the announcement came out so quickly and with immediate effect rather than a staggered start. The easing of the restrictions outlines that House Moves can now take place, new properties can be valued and prepared for marketing and viewings could once again take place in the physical form. This was of course all with the the stipulation that strict guidelines were followed along with common sense attitude and inline with Public Heath England.
There is already signs showing a divide in peoples opinions about this, as in one hand people are being told that they can’t visit friends in another house hold at home but here we are being told that you can physically view a property (a strangers house) and progress a move to a new home.
No one is 100% sure why the government have made this decision, even the experts at NAEA, Property Mark and RightMove. There is an undoubtable amount of pent up pressure of buyer demand that we have seen grow week on week and I am sure you will agree that there will be a lot of relieved and happy people that now have the ability to complete or start the move to a new home now possible.
In addition if you look at what the government have done to support the economy over the last couple of months and then understand that over 86 billion is stuck in a pipeline of property sales waiting to complete and factor in the stamp duty return on that, it may well be prudent for the government to do all they can to start to let the property sector unfold.
The fact is that we are the first industry to be given this kind of release to start the move forward and and an opportunity to literally get the country moving again. This comes as a fantastic opportunity for us to all work together and show what a responsible and professional industry we are. As agents we need to take on this responsibility as a whole and ensure that the safety and well being of our clients, their loved ones and the general public is at the forefront of our minds at all times and not create a free for all scenario. This is a very contagious virus and and we don’t want to undo all the hard work up to this point and create a further and even worse second wave.
We had already prepared our office and procedures ready for when the industry was given the green light to move from predominately online back to the physical side of things. Following the announcement last night a full list of Government guidelines have been released, many of which we expected. The bullet points are listed below:
Agents should ask whether any party is showing symptoms or has been asked to self-isolate before going ahead with any viewing, or visits to offices.
Agents should operate using an appointment system for visits to their offices and when conducting viewings.
Agents should not carry out any open house viewings.
Agents should strongly encourage clients to view properties virtually in the first instance and then only physically inspect properties which they have a strong interest in.
Agents can accompany physical viewings and seek to maintain a minimum of 2 metres distance from others wherever possible. Where social distancing is not possible and the visit is within an enclosed space, they should consider wearing a face covering in line with government guidance.
Where they do not accompany the visit, they should make sure that both buyers and sellers clearly understand how the viewing should be conducted safely.
Agents should not drive clients to appointments.
All parties viewing a property should wash their hands with soap and water (or hand sanitiser if not available) immediately after entering the properties, with internal doors opened and surfaces having been wiped down before they enter. Separate towels or paper towels should be used if possible and washed or disposed of safely after use.
Agents should do what they can to promote flexibility when arranging move dates, for example advising clients to ensure contracts have explicit terms to manage the timing risks presented by coronavirus.
Agents should work with their clients and other agents to broker a new date to move where sales are due to complete and one of the parties falls ill with coronavirus or has to self-isolate.
Agents should ensure that any keys are appropriately cleaned before handover.
If you would like to read the full in-depth outlines covering every aspect of the property sector then please click here.
The good news is that we are able to now start to carry out our duties and this will bring huge relief to so many people that need to and want to move.
We will personally adapt strict procedures using the guidelines above for any property visits we make whether thats to provide a full valuation, prepare the property for marketing or showing a prospective buyer around. We have to remember these changes are not going to be for the short term, this is something we need to do correctly and are able to carry out for the foreseeable future.
If you would like to see our personal viewing procedures please click here.
There will no doubt be a lot of questions and many concerns as we start to move into this new era, if you would like to discuss anything then please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we are here to help!
Tel: 01202 237580
E-Mail: info@strattonoakestates.co.uk