Can I Still Buy Or Sell A Property During A Local Lockdown?

Miller Metcalfe posted on 16th October 2020

Local lockdown restrictions in the North West have brought with it a lot of uncertainty. Especially when it comes to the property market and how it will affect your house purchase or sale. Here’s everything you need to know…

The government’s course of action to tackle COVID-19 is changing every day, which can be quite confusing for those unsure of what restrictions they come under and how this will affect their lives. The introduction of the new 3-tier system in England has meant that most of the North West of England has been plunged into ‘Tier 3’, the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions.

But what does ‘Tier 3’ mean for the property market?

Can I still move home if I live within a ‘Tier 3’ area?

Yes! The property market plays a key role in the economy, making it a vital industry for the government to leave untouched. Even in ‘tier 3’, estate agents, solicitors, and removal firms are all allowed to continue to work as normal, minimising any delays when it comes to buying or selling a property. As well as this, the government has advised that property viewings can also continue to take place, as long as their strict safety guidelines are adhered to at all times.

Can I list my property if it is situated within a ‘Tier 3’ area?

Yes! Here at Miller Metcalfe, it is business as usual. We have set out strict guidelines for our employees and clients’ safety to make the whole process as stress-free as possible. All of our staff members are now back working in our offices, however, they are closed to the public. If you do need to speak with a member of our team face to face for any reason, a pre-booked appointment must be made.

We are offering both virtual and home visit valuations for those who want to get their property on the market. All of our valuers are equipped with the required PPE to keep you and your family safe at all times.

For a full list of how we are ensuring our valuations are safe, you can read our blog here.

How has COVID-19 affected the buying/selling process?

Estate agents across the country have had to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Although the virus has not halted the property market, we have had to find ways of learning and adapting our approach to ensure we are staying as safe as possible at all times.

The New Virtual Age

To reduce the amount of interaction our clients need with our team, we have introduced virtual viewings and valuations! A virtual valuation will take place via video call at a time and date to suit you. During which, our valuers can take a look around your property. They will then provide you with an accurate valuation avoiding any delays in getting your property on the market.

All of our properties now also come with virtual viewings as standard on their property listing, ensuring only the most interested buyers are put forward to physical viewings.

In-Person Valuations

If you do require a face to face valuation, this can now be arranged. However, you MUST comply with the safety measures we have put in place and our appointments will only be carried out if our valuer, clients and anyone in your household has not had symptoms or been in contact with anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

For the valuation to be carried out safely, you must;

Ensure all doors are open and lights are all turned on to avoid our valuer needing to touch any door handles or light switches.
While the appointment is taking place, all members of your household must be stood outside of the house at a 2m distance.
Our valuer will discuss your valuation with you outside of your property at a safe distance.
There must be no more than 2 people at the appointment, plus the valuer.

Our valuer will be following government guidelines at all times and will arrive at the appointment in a mask (required) and gloves (optional).

In-Person Viewings

Viewings can be arranged but the government guidelines put in place must always be adhered to. Viewings will only be booked if those viewing, our viewer and those currently living at the property do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 nor been in contact with anyone with symptoms.

Currently, we will ONLY be accompanying viewings on empty properties for the foreseeable future.

For the appointment to be carried out safely, you must;

Our viewing representative will ensure all doors are open and lights are switched on. Do not, unless absolutely necessary, touch any handles or switches in the house.
While the appointment is taking place, a 2m distance must be applied at all times.
Our viewer will discuss your views on the property with you outside of the property at a safe distance.
There must be no more than 2 people at the appointment, plus the viewer. All those viewing must come from the same household and children must not be in attendance.

Our viewer will be following government guidelines at all times and will come to the appointment in a mask (required) and gloves (optional). They will also arrive at the appointment early to ensure all handles, worktops and switches are wiped down before the appointment, as well as after.

Miller Metcalfe

Miller Metcalfe are approachable, friendly and committed to making your move as quick, simple and stress free as possible – just what every estate agent should be!

Follow on: Twitter | Facebook

BREAKING NEWS: £5k Deposit Mortgage For First Time Buyers

Updates: 2 Mins Read

Can I Still Buy Or Sell A Property During A Local Lockdown?

Can I still move home if I live within a ‘Tier 3’ area?

Can I list my property if it is situated within a ‘Tier 3’ area?

How has COVID-19 affected the buying/selling process?

The New Virtual Age

In-Person Valuations

In-Person Viewings

Miller Metcalfe

Related Post

BREAKING NEWS: £5k Deposit Mortgage For First Time Buyers

4 Essential Questions to Ask Your Estate Agent for Smart ...

Your Fixed-Rate Deal is Ending: Valuable Advice from a Mo...