Last week, the government confirmed that the housing market in England would remain open, a saving grace for those moving house during lockdown. But, as pressure increases for stricter lockdown rules, the Labour party has demanded the government put an end to property viewings.
Now, everyone set to move house during lockdown has run to Google to find out what's going to happen. 'Estate agents lockdown,' 'house moves during lockdown' and 'can you move house during lockdown' are all major search terms right now.
So, with that in mind, we're here to answer all of your important questions about moving house in lockdown.
Can I move house during lockdown?
'The housing market in England will remain open during this national lockdown,' the government website reads. 'This means that people looking to move home will be able to both continue with planned moves and view new properties to move into in the future. Estate and lettings agents, removers, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes will be able to continue working.'
'One of the simplest steps you can take when moving home is to wash your hands frequently and keep as much distance as possible from other people who are not members of your household,' it continues. 'Ensure you follow the latest guidance on practical steps to reduce transmission. and maintain a 2 metre distance apart where possible. It may also be a good idea to take extra precautions when in close contact with others, such as wearing a face covering. There are also certain situations in which you must wear a face covering.'
Right now, the process of moving house or searching for a new home is wildly different. Many property agents and conveyancers have completely changed the way they work, offering virtual viewings or asking people to vacate their property during viewings and doing a thorough clean before someone moves in (I mean, you'd kind of hope they always were, right?).
'If you are about to enter into a legally binding contract, you should discuss the possible implications of COVID-19 with your legal professional and consider making contractual provisions to manage these risks,' the government advises. 'You should not expect to immediately be able to move into any home where people have COVID-19 or are self-isolating.'
Will the government stop house moves during lockdown?
Well, as with any regulation, the lockdown rules for moving house could change at any time if it's deemed too high-risk behaviour.
'We encourage all parties involved to be as flexible as possible and to be prepared to delay moves, for example if one of those involved becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate,' the government website reads. 'It may become necessary to pause all home moves locally or nationally for a short period of time to manage the spread of coronavirus. We will let you know if this needs to happen. '
For Kathleen Porter Kristiansen, travel writer and personal finance advisor behind the site Triplepassport, selling her London home at the beginning of lockdown cost her more than just lost dreams. ‘Me and my husband exchanged on our flat early 2020 after a lot of drama,’ she tells Grazia. ‘We marketed and agreed at £515,000 with an exchange date on 23rd March, closing on 24th March. On 20 March the buyer said he was self-quarantined and didn’t want to exchange. In fact, he wanted to back out or pay £470,000.
‘We ended up agreeing on £499,000,’ Kathleen continued. ‘It made my stress levels very high during this whole time, I was just so angry. The day I was running around collecting toiletries for families in need due to this pandemic, someone was using it to make £16,000 off me.’
With all of these complications in mind, there are many more questions people have about how lockdown impacts moving house. Of course it depends on what stage in the process you are.
What are the lockdown rules for moving house?
If you're searching for a house...
'You are free to move home,' the government website says. 'Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever possible. Property agents should be able to help you with this. Members of the public who are visiting an agent’s office or viewing a property should wear a suitable face covering as described in government guidance unless they are exempt from this requirement. This should be confirmed with the agent before arrival. Anyone with concerns should contact the agent in advance of their visit to discuss appropriate measures. The agent may require you to arrange an appointment before visiting the premises.'
When showing people around your home, all internal doors should be opened too with all surfaces cleaned after each viewing. The government also recommends vacating the property while viewings take place to minimise unnecessary contact.
'Viewings should be arranged by appointment only and "open house" viewings should not take place,' it continues. 'When viewing properties in person, you should avoid touching surfaces wherever possible, wash your hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser. If you need to be accompanied by small children, you should try to keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly.'
If you're in the process of moving...
'Hotels, hostels and other such public accommodation can be used by people while moving home or who are unable to return to their main residence,' advice reads. 'There is no guarantee a particular hotel will be open to provide this service, so do check in advance. You must still ensure you stay only within your household and/or support bubble.
'Second homes and other private accommodation can be used by people while moving home or who are unable to return to their main residence. You must still ensure you stay only within your household and/or support bubble.'
The government also advises doing as much of the packing yourself as you can and where this isn't possible, speak to removal firms in advance. 'Everyone involved in the moving process must follow social distancing to minimise the spread of COVID-19,' they conclude.
And of course, if anyone in any of the houses being visited or put on the market have Covid symptoms, there should be no external visitors to that house.
You can find more information about house moving during lockdown here.
So, what about renting during lockdown?
For those dealing with landlords in lockdown, anxiety has likely been at an all time high. What if your tenancy comes to an end during a lockdown? What if your landlord threatens to kick you out? Well, the government has put together advice for you too.
'Tenants’ safety should be letting agents’ and landlords’ first priority,' it reads. 'The government has put in place protections for tenants during the coronavirus outbreak, including legislation to delay when landlords are able to start proceedings to evict tenants by requiring landlords to give tenants longer notice periods than usual.'
'Landlords and letting agents should not conduct viewings in properties where tenants are symptomatic or self-isolating. In other cases (such as where tenants have been determined to be clinically extremely vulnerable) where viewings can proceed, they should be conducted in line with the guidance on viewings [here].'
If you’re renting and your tenancy is about to end…
'Letting agents and landlords should endeavour to work with their tenants to sustain tenancies as far as possible, where the tenant wants to and is able to stay,' the government says. Meaning, you can request a new contract with your landlord if you want to stay even if it wasn't initially a rolling contract. Direct them to this government page if they want more information.
If you're moving into a new rented property...
'Letting agents and landlords should take steps to ensure any properties are prepared ready for new tenants. This may include cleaning to minimise any potential spread of the coronavirus in line with government advice.
'Letting agents and landlords should consider how best to conduct tenancy check-ins for new tenancies agreed, taking care to follow government advice on social distancing and public health advice to minimise the possible spread of coronavirus. '
Checks on right to rent, referencing and beyond should be done remotely.
If your landlord is threatening eviction…
'Renters will continue to be protected from eviction during the new national lockdown period,' the government states. 'The government is extending existing legislation to ensure bailiffs do not serve eviction notices, except in the most serious circumstances. The only exceptions to this are illegal occupation, false statement, anti-social behaviour, perpetrators of domestic abuse in the social sector, where a property is unoccupied following death of a tenant and serious rent arrears greater than 6 months’ rent. This legislation will be in place for at least six weeks until the end of 21 February and will be kept under review.'
In terms of your legal rights, if you get a notice of eviction from your landlord Shelter says ‘you can and should stay in your home, especially if you have nowhere else to stay.'
'Don't be pressured into signing documents from the landlord that contain a date for you to leave,' they advise. ;Get legal advice before giving up your home voluntarily, even if eviction seems unavoidable. It's illegal for your landlord to harass you, lock you out of your home (even temporarily) or make you leave without notice or a court order.'
Most tenants are entitled to six months' notice, since 29 August all section 21 notices and most other eviction notices must give at least 6 months' notice. You could be given a shorter notice in some cases. For example, if you have more than six months rent in arrears or you're facing eviction for antisocial behaviour.
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