Getting the property market moving | Residential conveyancing solicitors
The Governments announcement on 10th May, and detailed guidance published on 11th May, to start a slow relaxation of the lockdown restrictions and the re opening of the economy is welcome news.
Like many businesses, Thursfields has had to adapt quickly to the challenges of the lockdown restrictions whilst continuing to offer an exceptional service to those clients who have continuing property and other transactional requirements.
We are now moving to a new phase of the pandemic where we start to work with the re opening housing market whist acknowledging and adhering to the Government guidance in so doing.
So what does this mean for the Property Market?
Provided the Government guidelines are followed and the necessary risk assessments are undertaken, the key players in the property market can now begin to phase a return back to business as usual.
Previously there had been some confusion as to how Estate Agents and Removal Companies could operate, particularly in respect of viewings and house moves. The latest Government guidelines and legislation, if properly followed, now allow both to take place.
The confusion in the sector can end; the position is now quite clear.
The legislation introduced on 12 May 2020 provides that with effect from 13 May 2020 the following activities are lawful during lockdown, if they are in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property.
- Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;
- Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent;
- Preparing a residential property to move into;
- Moving home;
- Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property.
It is now clear that provided the guidance is followed, Estate Agents and Removal Firms are able to operate within “other people’s homes”.
We are therefore now expecting to see Estate Agents, Removal Companies, Valuers and Surveyors returning to work, provided that they are able to operate a safe working environment and follow the necessary guidance and law in regards to risk assessments and the health and safety of their employees, clients and third parties.
What we are doing at Thursfields?
Throughout this crisis we have continued to progress transactions as far as possible with all our conveyancers staying fully employed and fully resourced, whether working from home or in the office. As such, we are ideally placed to deal promptly with all matters seamlessly without a transition period. We understand from a number of sources there is much ‘pent up’ demand in the market and Thursfields is here and ready to help.
If you would like us to provide an update or to give an estimate to potential clients please contact us on 0345 20 73 72 8, by email on conveyancing@thursfields.co.uk or visit thursfields.co.uk/conveyancing-calculator for an instant quote. Now, more than ever, good communication is key to the conveyancing process.
