The Government has set out new plans to reopen the housing market and allow people to move home again.

Buyers and renters in England will now be able to complete purchases and view properties in person, while estate agents, conveyancers and removals firms are allowed to return to work while following social distancing guidelines.

Government figures show that since lockdown restrictions were implemented in March, more than 450,000 people have been unable to progress with plans to move house.

Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, confirmed that estate agents’ offices can now open, house viewings are now be permitted, show homes can open, and that removal companies and other essential parts of the sales and letting process are restarting with immediate effect.

Jenrick said: “Our step by step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved. This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”

Trussle head of mortgages, Miles Robinson, suggested the new regulations should provide the property market with a “much needed boost” after the lockdown period, but stressed that visits should only be made if they are “absolutely essential”.

He commented: “Allowing surveyors to enter homes as long as a distance of two metres is maintained means that physical valuations can get going again. Some lenders, such as HSBC, have already confirmed that valuations are starting to be booked in.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen desktop valuations acting as a stop gap in an attempt to keep surveys happening. A high proportion of those desktop valuations have only been for those with LTV of less than 75%. Additionally, some properties require a physical valuation. These include those in flood risk areas, those with previous adverse valuations, and some new build properties.

“While surveyors can now enter the home, it’s important to stress that visits are still only advised when absolutely essential. With a high proportion of the UK watching their finances more closely, we may see today’s announcement boost the remortgage market further.”

GetAgent founder and CEO, Colby Short, added: “We know that the lockdown brought about an abrupt decline in the number of homes reaching the market and this has led to an underlying current of pent up buyer demand.

“Not all of this demand will convert in the coming months, but now that the doors have reopened those that need to transact out of necessity will do so and this will bring about a level of stability for the wider market.”

Share Story: