COVID-19 Housing Market Update

With the uncertainty of COVID-19 continuing we would like to reiterate that the housing market in England is open during the current national lockdown. Estate agents, removers, valuers, sales and lettings offices and show homes are still operating and are allowed to go inside homes as long as they adhere to the latest COVID-19 safety guidance including social distancing, good ventilation and wearing a face covering.

It goes without saying that the safety of our staff and customers are our top priority during these times. We have taken precautionary measures to ensure we can be there for you whether you’re looking to buy, sell, let or rent in Hertfordshire, Essex and surrounding areas.

Paul Donovan, Wright & Co Partner says, “We’re here to ensure that your property move can still go ahead as smoothly and efficiently as possible whilst adhering to the latest government guidelines. We are doing everything we can to make it as safe as possible for both staff and customers”. 

The housing market is still active and Wright & Co have experienced one of their busiest trading periods to date over the past 12 months. Paul continued, “There is no reason to delay any plans you have, indeed it is a good time to both sell and let property as demand and activity levels are high”.

Here is a brief summary of the latest guidance for house moving during COVID-19:

• Moving home is still allowed
  People outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.
• Viewing in person
  If you are considering a property and would like to visit it in person, please book a viewing as these are by appointment only. We advise members of the public who are viewing the property to wear a suitable face covering unless exempt. Social distancing should also be adhered to while viewing a property.
• External viewings and virtual viewings
  We recommend and advise to view the property externally. We offer virtual viewings on some properties which allow you to safely view properties at your own time. If you are selling and would like us to arrange a virtual video tour of your property, please let us know.
• Making an offer
  If you’ve found the perfect property with Wright & Co in Hertfordshire, Essex or any surrounding areas you are able to make an offer on a property like normal. However, please be aware the transaction process may be delayed if someone in either party or throughout the chain shows symptoms of COVID-19 or is self-isolating.
• Packing
  It is encouraged that you and your household do the packing, or as much as possible, to avoid multiple cross contamination. If your possessions are going to be handled by a removal firm we suggest cleaning them before they are handled by others to reduce the spread.
• Moving with removal firms
  Removal firms are still able to work but they may have changed their usual procedures. We recommend you contact them as early as possible to check they can do the date you require and get full information about their COVID-19 policies.

Please remember that if you or a member of your household is either showing symptoms or is self-isolating due to COVID-19 the buying, selling or rental process may be delayed. Please make sure to inform any parties as soon as possible.

If you are looking to buy in Hertfordshire and Essex or have any queries about moving during the coronavirus pandemic, please get in touch with a member of the team and we’ll be happy to assist.

For full government advice on moving throughout COVID-19 please visit their website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

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