Property firm expects hundreds of viewings

Dundee-based property firm RSB Lindsays is optimistic housing demand will quickly return to its pre-lockdown state when the Scottish Government confirms it is safe to reopen.

The firm expects to organise around 600 home viewings in Dundee in the immediate aftermath of Scotland’s housing market reopening.

The firm has more than 70 properties on the market that are ready for potential buyers to see within social distancing guidelines.

It is hoped the property market can start to conduct viewings on or soon after June 29.

During lockdown the house sales industry has been close to dormant – with no in-person viewings able to take place and very few new sales agreed since March.

Chris Todd, a partner at RSB Lindsays, said: “The signs are for a strong bounceback in Dundee.

“We’re seeing considerable interest in properties in the area and know already that there’s demand from buyers and sellers.

“We are preparing to meet that in the safest possible way.

“The volume of inquiries we have had during lockdown has been strong and we very much expect to jump back into the market we were in pre-lockdown, which was a busy one.

“People have been making plans which they are keen to progress.

“There are a significant number of sellers who are waiting for the end of restrictions to put their property on the market and are keen to move as soon as they are able to. The indications are that we should have a busy summer and autumn.

“If we look at what’s happened in England, apart from in the southeast, the market has returned to where it was before.”

RSB Lindsays staff conducting viewings will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment. Guidance documents for viewers and sellers have been drawn up and video meetings will also be held with clients and remote valuations where possible.

Before an in-person viewing can take place, it is RSB Lindsays’ policy that all prospective purchasers first take part in a virtual viewing of a property, via a video tour. It is hoped this will reduce the number of speculative in-person viewings.