Buying Property after Lockdown

Jun 15 2020

Home buyers and sellers across the UK are breathing a sigh of relief as restrictions on the property market have now been lifted. At last, plans that had been forced to go on hold can be resurrected and viewings can resume across the country. If you’re one of those people who was about to start the process of buying a new home but had to put a halt on your plans, you will likely be wondering what the new guidelines are. So whether you’ve set your heart on a help to buy 3 bedroom family home in Royal Docks or a 2 bedroom roof terrace apartment in Finsbury Park, we’ve put together a handy guide with top tips to help you get you on your way again.

Keep your distance

With the relaxing of the restrictions on 13th May, not only are homebuyers now permitted to view prospective properties, other related businesses have also been informed that they too can return to work. This includes estate agents, property developers, removal companies and surveyors. But the guidelines from the government are very clear and social distancing should be adhered to at all times and strict hygiene measures must be in place..

Take a good look

Virtual property tours have been a great way for potential buyers to continue viewing properties throughout lockdown. At Telford Homes, we’re continuing to offer these, to encourage prospective homebuyers to do as much of their viewing online as possible in order to reduce person to person contact. With our VR tours, you will be able to view the show homes and sales suites in full 3D which will give you a real feel for what you can expect ahead of viewing in person. You can also go and meet your estate agent or developer in person, but you’ll need to make an appointment first. If you like what you see from an online viewing, you are now able to visit sales offices and show homes, however in many cases these visits will be restricted to one person, family or household at a time – and social distancing measures will be in place.

Stay safe

However excited you may be to be visiting a new property, it’s really important that you stick to the safety measures that will have been put in place either by the agent, the developer or the current homeowner in preparation for your visit. First of all, you will be asked if you or anyone in your home is showing symptoms of coronavirus and if so, your appointment will be postponed until after the isolation period. If you are fit and healthy and the viewing goes ahead, the agent will accompany you and you will be asked to wash your hands as soon as you arrive. You should avoid touching any surfaces whilst always maintaining a safe distance of 2 metres from the agent and homeowner if present. You can add another safety layer by wearing a facemask. After your visit, the surfaces,door handles, light switches and other touchpoints will all be cleaned and sanitised ready for the next viewing.

Home sweet home

If all goes well with your viewing and you move to the exciting next stage, you can go ahead and contact removal companies as usual, giving them as much notice as you can of your move date. They will have their own hygiene and safety measures in place but where possible you should aim to pack your own belongings yourself and clean all surfaces on the removal day. Conveyancing will also be able to continue as usual as most legal firms have been working remotely during lockdown. Any documents that need to be signed should be done at a safe distance. Don’t forget to speak to your solicitor about keeping timelines flexible in your contract in case of either party falling ill with coronavirus and be prepared to delay your move at short notice if necessary.

We’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact our friendly team for more advice or to register your interest. For more information on the measures in place at Telford Homes’ sales suites, visit https://www.telfordhomes.london/we-are-now-open-by-appointment-only/