How does moving home work in the time of Covid-19?

HERE is a look at how the process of moving home is being adapted to cut the risk of the spread of coronavirus: Can all house moves that were on hold in England now go ahead? PEOPLE who have coronavirus or are self-isolating with family should not leave their home to move home, nor should they go on property viewings, the Government’s guidance says.

Even if this does not apply directly to the buyer or the seller, their property transaction could still be held up because someone else in the chain or their family member is self-isolating. What if I am committed by contract to moving home and I have coronavirus or am self-isolating? THE Government says you should delay your move until everyone in your household has ended their self-isolation period. All parties should try to make amicable arrangements to move at a later date.

I want to put my house on the market – can an estate agent visit my home? YES, the Government says estate agents are able to visit to take photos and videos of the property.

Can I go out on property viewings? INITIAL viewings should be done virtually wherever possible.

For a physical viewing, you can only take members of the same household – and the number of people accompanying you should be kept to a minimum.

House hunters are advised by the Government to avoid touching surfaces during viewings, wash their hands regularly, and bring their own hand sanitiser. Estate agents can still accompany clients on viewings, but should follow social distancing rules.

What if people are coming to view my home?

THE Government says no “open house” viewings should take place.

It also recommends sellers are not at home during viewings and that they should allow access to handwashing facilities and ideally separate towels or paper towels.

It also says sellers should leave all internal doors open and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned after each viewing with standard household cleaning products.

What about sending over a property professional to physically inspect a property I’m looking to buy? WHERE a tradesperson is visiting the property, the current occupier should maintain social distancing. Surveyors can also carry out inspections, subject to Government guidance.

How about the move itself? ANYONE involved in any aspect of the process should practise social distancing in line with public health advice. If you have particular concerns about the risk of infection, your estate agent or removals firm may put extra measures in place.