The property market is re-opening - but how different will it be?
With news this week that the housing market can re-open in England what does this mean? Here are our preparations - our SAFE way of getting people moving again when the lockdown is lifted in Wales. Your questions answered.
On Wednesday last week, it was officially announced estate agents in England could go back to work as part of the Government’s phased relaxation of the lockdown. We are waiting further instructions from the Welsh government and can imagine it won't be long until we are back in business. With this we are preparing in advance for when we are able to return to work.
Some agencies have rushed blindly out of the traps, unprepared and dived straight back in. Over recent weeks and as a nation our fight with the virus has been hard fought and hard won, we mustn’t undo all the hard work we have done to get us to this point.
With this, we are going to be implementing some major changes to the way we conduct viewings and valuations to ensure the safety of the team and yourselves in line with the latest government guidance.
We are already expecting a VERY busy few months as buyers and sellers who have been put on hold by lockdown are now released. We have lists of vendors wanting to put their homes on the market and who are ready to view. We take a look the detail and at what that means if you are thinking of moving home.
1. Preparing to buy, sell or move home
We would encourage ALL potential clients to have a Social Distancing Valuation in the first instance along with a virtual meeting keeping you safe and giving you an opportunity to ask us as many questions about how we will help you before physically viewing the property.
To arrange a social distancing valuation please click here.
2. Viewings
Whilst it is great news that viewings are going to be happening again soon we of course need to exercise some caution and we have put some steps in place for viewings when lockdown is lifted.
In order to minimise the risk to public health we will be initially doing a "Virtual Viewing" of the property before a physical viewing. All properties available have a detailed internal video and we will walk you through (virtually) the property highlighting the features and giving you a chance to ask us questions about the property itself.
Physical viewings will only take place after the initial virtual viewing and only for those seriously considering making an offer or application.
All viewings will be be strictly by appointment and only involve members of a single household.
To give confidence to all parties present at the viewing that the guidance is being followed, and to help us manage the viewing in the most efficient way possible, you will 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 us if you are worried.
3. Making Offers or Applying to Rent
Making an offer to purchase or applying to rent a property are still very much acceptable and this continues as normal. Tenants will be required to complete an application form after the virtual viewing and before any physical viewing.
There is a greater risk that you may need to delay your move if someone in the household develops symptoms of coronavirus or are self-isolating. Your conveyancer should make sure that any contracts or agreements are as flexible as possible to allow for any unforeseen circumstances.
4. Property Searches and Surveys
Searches for your prospective purchase can be carried out online and you should contact your conveyancer for more information on timeframes.
Surveyors have started carrying out appointments again which means sales agreed during lockdown can now progress with mortgage applications. Surveyors should not enter a property where one member of the household is showing symptoms of coronavirus. Appointments will be have an agreed time and date in advance and all surveyors will be following the guidance for professionals working in other people's homes as well as social distancing. We have a list of surveyors who we recommend if you would like help with this.
5. Conveyancers
We have spoken to our local solicitors and conveyancers as they have continued to work from home. Many have switched to online or remote working and have adapted their business to ensure a continuity of service.
We recommend you get in touch with you local conveyancer to find out what measures they have in place and how your transaction may differ.
6. Physically Moving House
You must be as flexible as possible over the next coming weeks or months, also be prepared for delays. Although it won't be as quick as usual, we will get there in the end!
7. Tradespeople
Lockdown for many of us meant doing our own essential works on our home, or making general improvements. Tradespeople are now able to carry out improvements and maintenance with social distancing guidelines.
8. Removal Firms
Removal firms are able to operate freeing up and allowing more home-movers greater flexibility to conduct their move. Firms will be following social distancing and safer working policies.
All in all, there will be some large changes to the way our industry now conducts business and it will require empathy from all parties in worked to make sure we are all safe and everyone is able to move home. We are all moving and people are still looking for move!
For now our office will remain closed to the public until further notice, we will be conducting appointments and more guidance will be issued when we know more from the welsh government.
For the last 4/5 years we have led the way locally with our digital marketing, we use social media and digital marketing to our advantage, we are social on social media! With the current situation we are trying to adapt our business model to make sure we can still help you. Here at Alexanders our virtual door is OPEN, we can offer you alternatives to face to face appointments until the isolation ban has lifted.
Take care,
The Alexanders Team.