Boris Johnson’s decision to hold a press conference at 6:30pm on Saturday to announce that England is being placed under a national lockdown has left many people in the process of moving home in limbo.
The prime minister appeared alongside chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty at Downing Street to announce that virtually everything will be closed except for essential shops, courts and educations settings, with the measures remaining in place until 2 December. But he offered no guidance when it comes to the housing market.
The PM’s decision to place England into what will effectively be a new ‘Tier 4’ for a month, has left those looking to buy, sell, rent and indeed let out their properties unsure of what to do, while many agents remain unclear over whether they can keep their branches open.
But the government has since indicated that agents can continue to operate during the lockdown, as long as they follow the latest guidance for employers and businesses on Covid-19 and safer working, as well as any supplementary guidance issued by representative bodies.
Agents, like all businesses, are being urged to work together to ensure they operate in a way that reduces the spread of infection, with “back to back” viewings of properties avoided.
Government guidance says that sufficient time should be allowed between each viewing for the necessary cleaning to take place.
Mark Hayward, chief executive, NAEA Propertymark, said: “We welcome the news that the housing market is to remain open throughout this second lockdown period, and it is essential that all agents continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus through following all relevant guidance.
“Agents must operate in accordance with government and Propertymark guidelines, to keep the market moving through these uncertain times.”
Manisha Bhula, head of Blandy & Blandy Solicitors’ residential property team, commented: “The unexpected weekend announcement left many who are in the middle of buying or selling property wondering whether their move will be affected as we saw earlier in the year.
“Back in March, the housing market was largely closed for a near two month period, resulting in significant delays and in many cases, transactions falling through entirely, as people’s individual circumstances changed and lending also tightened.
“This time, the market will not be closed and estate agents, removal companies and other businesses will be able to continue to operate.”
The stamp duty holiday that runs until 31 March 2021 continues to boost both activity and property prices.
Prices are growing at their fastest rate in five years, with the average price of a residential property reaching £227,826 in October, according to Nationwide.
The Bank of England recently reported that mortgage approvals in September were the highest since 2007, but there are still those property owners struggling financially that need help.
On mortgage holidays, Bhula added: “Borrowers who have been impacted by coronavirus and have not yet had a mortgage payment holiday will be entitled to a six-month holiday, and those that have already started a mortgage payment holiday will be able to top up to six months without this being recorded on their credit file.”
Kate Davies, executive director of IMLA, believes that the government made the right decision keeping the housing market open.
She said: “Lenders, advisers, surveyors, and conveyancers are already experiencing unprecedented levels of demand from consumers eager to take advantage of the government’s stamp duty holiday, which is due to end on 31st March 2021, and also the Help to Buy scheme, which will be available only to first-time buyers from 1st April 2021.
“They now face the task of helping thousands more consumers potentially requesting payment deferrals as borrowers struggle to meet their mortgage repayments during the lockdown. Closing the housing market at this time would have only added to this pressure on the sector by creating yet another backlog of demand once lockdown ends.”
Can anyone confirm whether this extends to search departments at your local authority?
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“…as well as any supplementary guidance issued by representative bodies….”
Mark ‘Blakey’ Hayward: “Agents must operate in accordance with … Propertymark guidelines, to keep the market moving through these uncertain times.”
Errr, hang on buster, who put you in charge? The self-serving paper-pushers at the NAEA are the last people needed to control anything.
You do not speak for the estate agent sector. Back in your box.
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I still don’t understand how this is acceptable.
Of course all our wonderful keyworkers are in the thick of it, but I don’t see how we are “essential” workers.
We visit thousands of homes everyday across the country, having visited thousands of different homes the day before. We are the worst industry to be still operating during a period of trying to keep a deadly virus under control.
As usual, Mark “chocolate teapot” Hayward is completely useless and just a messenger as he so often likes to state (why do we pay this guy again?”
Masks and antibacterial gel help, but this is a mostly air born virus and our aiding the transmission of it will happen.
I think knowing the country reopens on the 2nd December, most people will wait for a viewing or valuation. We can still progress sales, deal with enquires and offer advice for four weeks. It’s lunacy.
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We’re the worst industry to be open, worse than nightclubs, bars, sports venues etc? You’re either not the sharpest pencil, or you’re the type who wants a bit of free furlough cash while watching Netflix for a month. I saw a meme yesterday that said free condoms were being given out to prevent more idiots being conceived during furlough 2. What a good idea.
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Maybe we are not the worst industry to be kept open but we are up there – going from house to house and meeting with different people is a sure fire way or either catching or spreading this virus. I have been called out to more than one property with active Covid cases, despite asking all the appropriate questions beforehand, and I have lost count of how many viewers arrive with no masks and then complain when they are not allowed access. This is not to time for posturing and abusing others, this is a time for for us all to be aware that we are in a vulnerable position and I don’t think there is anyone who relishes taking this illness back to offices, families or relatives. I have lost 2 people to Covid and so I feel I am in a position to ask you to think a little more before making such sweeping remarks AlwaysAnAgent. Suggesting extreme caution does not mean anyone wants to be furloughed, very few of us want to be furloughed, I hated it and was back at work as quickly as I could be, as were the majority of my colleagues. Try to understand that this affects all of us differently, and just because someone has different views to yourself does not mean they are either workshy or stupid. Stay safe and have a good day.
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What a typically stupid response Alwaysanagent, I take it from your poorly conceived reply that you’re one of these idiots walking into shops not wearing a mask calling it all a hoax. I also know someone lost to covid hence my post.
I worked solidly through lockdown, no furlough. I want out of this mess like everyone and done correctly. Not this half *****, money driven inbalance.
Well said 84 years.
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