How Alexanders have adapted to the "new normal" and lockdown
Coming into play at 6pm on Friday the 23rd of October until Monday the 9th of November, Wales shall be in lockdown again. Although this isn't the best news, we are keeping extremely positive and have adapted our ways to keep with the lockdown rules.
As we are faced with another lockdown we understand that it can be frustrating and you may be left with some unanswered questions. We have put together this article to hopefully give you the answers you need regarding the housing market during the firebreak and what we are doing to adapt. Please remember that although we are currently in a pandemic, people still want to move house and therefore we are coming up with ways digitally in order to make sure we can still get people moving.
Can I move home?
Yes, if you can’t delay the moving date until after the short lockdown period is over. Associated activities, for example, removals processes, property preparation, handover of keys, surveys and valuations can also take place in line with guidance on working in other people’s homes.
Can home viewings take place?
No. Property viewings cannot take place during the circuit breaker period and high street estate agencies are required to close. We shall be working from home, continuing to answer all enquiries via email, social media and over the phone.
Can a mortgage survey be done at my property?
Surveyors should not enter occupied properties during the lockdown period. Vacant properties can be entered and street level surveys can take place.
Can I travel to and from my second home during the lockdown?
No. Travel in Wales without a reasonable excuse during the circuit breaker lockdown period is an offence. Travelling into, out of or within Wales to visit, check/inspect or stay in a second home is not a reasonable excuse.
How do you plan to continue working in lockdown?
Although our office will have to close we will still be available working from home. As an agency we have spent a lot of time and investment adapting to the new normal.
What we offer to keep everyone safe:
-Virtual Viewings
-Social Distancing Valuations
-Digital Contracts
We provide virtual viewings on our homes that are for sale, so that prospective purchasers can still virtually view your home.
We also offer social distancing valuations and have the facility for you to sign sales contracts and paperwork digitally to make sure you are ahead of the game when the restrictions are lifted. Please see how you can do a social distancing valuation here.
For our vendors and buyers that are currently under offer please do not worry. The solicitors will continue working on your sales/purchases just as they normally would. The conveyancing process will continue just as it did during the last lockdown and rest assured I will be dealing with the sale progression side of things here as normal.
We have asked the Welsh Government for clarification regarding mortgage valuations and valuations/surveys as the guidance is not clear on this aspect. (Stating first of all that they can go ahead and then when referring to mortgage valuations saying that they cannot go ahead on occupied properties.) When we receive an answer on this matter I will update you all further.
If anyone has any further questions or would like anymore information regarding anything mentioned in this post, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
In the meantime please take care, stay at home and keep safe.
The Alexanders Team.