How to view a property SAFELY - Buyers and Tenants
If you have felt frustrated that you can't view or move house, you will be pleased to hear that the housing market in Wales is starting to re-open. For us and many, viewing someone's house is a real concern. We have put together a guide on what you can do before, during and after the viewing to minimise the risks and keep everyone safe.
Although this is great news the property market is re-opening. Coronavirus is still very much around.
Your health and safety remains our top concern at this time which is why we have created a set of simple guidelines based on the new government guidance, this is to reassure you when going on a property viewing or allowing others into your home.
Have you been waiting for weeks to go and view a property that you've had your eye on? Follow our simple guidance to ensure your viewing goes as smoothly as possible.
Applicants going on viewings
Whether it’s on your way to a viewing, or once you get there, remember these three key pieces of advice from the government:
- Maintain a 2m distance at all times
- Bring your hand sanitiser with you at all times - wash your hands regularly
- Minimise your contact with surfaces and door handles
- Please come dressed in appropriate PPE - if you can bring masks and gloves
Start with a video tour
We understand that you may need to see the property in person before being able to proceed with an offer or agreeing to the tenancy, but a video tour is a great place to start.
This is very helpful if you are not entirely sure whether it's suitable for you, its also one less journey you'll need to make and less of a chance of infection.
Before the viewing
In line with government guidance, anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms should be staying at home, to help prevent further spread of the disease.
To give confidence to all parties present at the viewing that this guidance is being followed, and to help the agent manage the viewing in the most efficient way possible, you should be asked to complete a handful of questions before your viewing such as:
- Has anyone in your household had COVID-19?
- Has anyone in your household displayed COVID-19 symptoms or not yet completed a required period of household self-isolation?
- Are you in the high-risk category?
- The current owner, or tenants, of the property you’re going to view will have also completed these questions, as will the agent if they’ll be present on the viewing, so don’t be afraid to check with the agent on this if it’s a concern.
We would also recommend you asking the us as many questions as possible before the viewing, to help save time on the viewing itself. Any information you would like to know about the property we can find out for you and send you a report.
Travelling to and from viewings
We want you to be more excited than stressed right now.
Wherever possible, use your own transport (i.e car, motorcycle or bicycle) or, if it’s a walkable distance, consider this as an option.
If you’re planning to drive to a viewing, think in advance about parking. Let the us know in advance so they can advise you on where’s best to park as it’s not always obvious.
Public transport is still essential for many of us. When booking the viewing, let us know so that we can help you book a viewing time outside of peak travel hours.
Show up on time. We will need you to arrive at your viewing at the time you’ve agreed, not earlier and not later.
This is to help minimise the number of people gathering near the property and gives us a chance to make sure the property is cleaned down before you arrive and after you leave.
At the viewing - BRING YOUR VIEWING KIT
For the duration of the viewing, you will need to be mindful that this is someone’s property and follow the social distancing guidelines.
Being armed with all the questions you still need to ask on the viewing will be more important than ever to ensure you’re getting the most out of the viewing.
We have a viewing kit that all of our staff shall be provided. Why not create your own?
Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser or a small bar of soap in a resealable bag and some paper hand towels or a small towel. This will ensure you can clean your hands both before and after the viewing.
A face mask – not an essential but recommended. It will show politeness to the agent and current owner that you have considered them. Especially useful if you’re currently suffering from hayfever, and therefore prone to sneezing, or travelling by public transport. There are local businesses in the area that are providing masks, please look at Lwli Mabi on Facebook.
Disposable gloves – not an essential, but a good idea if you’re worried about touching anything accidentally (especially if you’ve had to travel by public transport).
Viewing Checklist – Print-out or save a copy of our renter viewing checklist or buyer viewing checklist – they contain all the key questions you’ll need to ask.
Something to write with – be it a pen, pencil or your phone, you’ll want to jot down the answers to your questions and make notes.
Your phone – not only so you can contact the agent if you need to, but also so you can take photos or make notes.
A bottle of water – In case you get thirsty, and always advisable in warmer months. You won’t be able to accept, or ask for, one on a viewing so useful to have in your bag.
Although this is great news the property market is re-opening. Coronavirus is still very much around.
Your health and safety remains our top concern at this time which is why we have created a set of simple guidelines based on the new government guidance, this is to reassure you that we can get you moving again.
We are very much looking forward to get back to doing what we love, we are excited to meet you and we CAN get you safely moving again.
Best wishes,
The Alexanders Team.