First Minister Arlene Foster announced in yesterday afternoon’s daily update on the Covid-19 emergency, that residential sales and lettings activity can resume in Northern Ireland, in accordance with strict guidelines.

“The real estate industry has the highest multiplier effect in the economy and I’m therefore pleased to announce that our Coronavirus Regulations will be amended to permit house moves for the sale of homes from Monday 15 June.

“This will incorporate the full end-to-end process from viewing to securing a mortgage and the house move itself.

“Guidance has been provided on all aspects of the house moving process and the Department for Communities plan to engage further with stakeholders.”

The move leaves Wales and Scotland as the two countries in the United Kingdom that remain in housing market lockdown.

Industry body, Propertymark, says that it has worked with the Executive throughout recent months in order to set the foundations for the reopening of the housing market and has supported the Executive to ensure they appreciate the economic significance and implement workable guidance, designed to protect the safety of the public and the professionals.

Propertymark has been working to prepare agents in recent weeks with information about resuming activity safely and has been developing best practice guidelines which will overlay Executive Guidance.

These will be shared exclusively with members in Northern Ireland in the coming days.

Up-to-date resources including a Propertymark Covid-19 Checklist for agents and Consumer Guides are already available.

The First Minister reiterated that the country remains vigilant to the threat of a second wave and for this reason it is vital that the sector operates safely.