Brakes are off England Property Market Lockdown. Waiting to re-open in Wales.

The last 12 hours has seen the Government give the green light for Estate and Letting Agents in England to re-open and guidance published on conducting home moves and viewings safely. Bay Estate & Letting Agents will be publishing new working procedures for our clients shortly, in preparation for the go-ahead in Wales.

Yesterday Parliament published several amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, changing to the restriction of travel during the Coronavirus crisis. This includes the addition of five short paragraphs that allow both agents and members of the public to travel to view properties and move home.

This is only only a technical change to the Coronavirus law but it effectively restarts the sales and rental markets.

“It’s great news for consumers and the industry that the housing market is being opened up and people can let, rent, buy and sell properties again,” say David Cox, Chief Executive of ARLA Propertymark and Mark Hayward, Chief Executive of NAEA Propertymark in a joint statement.

“The new regulations provide clarity to agents and will allow them to deal with pent-up demand from consumers.

“It’s also a step to reinvigorating the housing market and will be a boost to the economy.

“Safety of course will be paramount, and we would encourage everyone to ensure that they follow Government guidelines closely to protect others and themselves.”

The new regulations allow the public to visit sales or lettings agencies to view properties for sale or rent, prepare properties prior to moving in and move home. In addition, Agents are also allowed to visit any rental or sales property to help prepare them for sale, which means appraisals, valuations and photography can take place.