Coronavirus, coronavirus, coronavirus; we’re fed up of hearing about it. Oh, for a good old-fashioned conversation about Brexit instead. Sadly it doesn’t look like Covid-19 is going away anytime soon, which means we need to get on with our lives as best we can, and that includes finding ways to move home while staying safe.
The government permitted house viewings in England again on 12th May, and the signs are already good that the market has responded well to the reopening. But it’s important to remember things aren’t back to normal, so if you’re thinking of moving home in the near future there are a few things you need to know.
Getting ready to buy, sell, or move home
If you’re having an estate agent take photos or videos of your home, make sure you remain at a safe distance of 2 metres from them. Even better, you could pop out for a while and leave them to it.
Stay safer by keeping the properties you view in person to the ones you think you’re most likely to move to. If you’re not sure, use online viewings to help make up your mind.
If you’re interested in new-build properties then expect to have to book an appointment. Contact the developer to arrange a date to visit the show home, and they should also explain how to carry out your viewing safely.
Viewings
Virtual online viewings are a great way to get a look at a property while avoiding the risk of contact. Sellers can ask their estate agent to help them create a virtual viewing for their property listing, and potential buyers should be encouraged to use this online tool before requesting a viewing in person.
Viewings should be by appointment only – open houses are a no-no.
In preparation for a viewing of your home, open all the doors inside and make sure viewers have everything they need to wash their hands, including separate or disposable towels.
To help reduce contact with people from outside your household, it’s best to make sure you’re not at home during viewings. Viewers and estate agents should remain socially-distanced, avoid touching surfaces where possible, and wash their hands properly.
After the viewing has taken place, the homeowner should clean surfaces such as door handles using normal household cleaning products, and wash any towels that might have been used.
Tradespeople, property searches and surveys
If a professional needs to visit a property during the sale process, they should do so by appointment only, and come alone if possible. The owner should make sure access is provided to all the necessary areas of the property and provide hand-washing facilities. If you need to be home during one of these appointments, try to keep socially distanced, perhaps by staying in a separate room.
Advice for professionals working in other people’s homes can be found on the government’s website.
Agreeing a move
All parties involved in a home move should be prepared to be flexible; exchange dates may have to be delayed if someone shows symptoms or becomes ill, and nobody should have to move into a home where people are ill or social distancing.
Make sure you talk to your legal adviser to ensure there is flexibility in any legal agreement to allow for delays due to illness.
Moving home
If you’re using a removals company to help you move home, much of the safety advice for professionals applies here as well. However, you can help by doing as much of the packing yourself, and, where possible, by cleaning your belongings beforehand.
As you can see, there is a lot for buyers and sellers to be aware of, and while much of it may be common sense by now, it still pays to be aware and be prepared.
We hope this answers all your questions, but if not, feel free to get in touch with us, or visit the government’s website for further advice.