Property Lockdown Lifted in England
Viewings and valuations can now take place whilst observing social distancing in England, but in Wales we remain in a lockdown.... FOR NOW.
As of today, May 13th 2020, the housing market has been re-opened in England. There will be of course guidelines in place as to how viewings and taking on properties for rent and for sale are to be conducted. This is fantastic news for our friends in the industry in England and the industry as a whole.
At the moment The Welsh Government has been asked to review guidance and allow the sector to get back to work. Currently the Welsh Government has not changed the rules and agents all over the country are urging ministers to let us get back to work.
"Estate agents in Wales want Welsh Government to give the green light for the property market to restart as lockdown on the sector is lifted today in England."
Property viewings in person and visits to agents for both sales and rentals are now allowed over the border under strict social distancing and other measures.
As most of our vendors, landlords, tenants and buyers know, we have adapted quickly and continued to operate as normally as possible with enquiries diverted to staff working from home, introducing virtual tools to provide opinions on value and viewings and have used technology such as Zoom video calls to maintain face to face contact with clients.
We are still putting houses on the market for sale and for rent, banks have started lending again, and people still want to move house.
Rest assured, that even though we only heard the news late last night, we are swiftly putting into place protective measures for both our staff and members of the public, to ensure their safety.
Like so many business sectors in Wales we are eager to return to the office from lockdown as soon as possible, but this must be delicately balanced against the priority of not doing so until the time is right and it is safe to do so.
Health must always be put before wealth, especially when we could be making our staff and members of the public vulnerable.
Should you want to discuss anything on this subject, please call the office on 01970 636 000.
Take care,
The Alexanders Team.