New government advice on home moving during coronavirus outbreak

13 May, 2020

Following last night’s announcement confirming that housing market transactions can take place again, Government has now published updated advice on home moving during the coronavirus outbreak.

The advice makes clear that the process of home moving is not returning to normality. Government is still encouraging all parties to be as flexible as possible and be prepared for delays due to illness, self-isolation or because the spread of coronavirus means that temporary restrictions are imposed again on home moving.

Advice to the public

The advice published today by the government states that:

• People who currently have coronavirus or who are self-isolating should not move
• Individuals who are clinically vulnerable or who are shielding should pay consider their situation carefully and make others in the transaction aware of their status. The advice notes that some moves, including to currently unoccupied properties are lower risk

Advice to developers

Developers can continue with sales but should ensure that sales teams follow safe working guidance and inform both employees and consumers about their procedures.

• Where possible, virtual viewings should be promoted
• Physical viewings, including visits to show homes should be by appointment with one household visiting one property at a time
• Surfaces should be cleaned between viewings
• New reservations and contracts should take account of risks posed by coronavirus, including necessary flexibilities should someone fall ill or need to self-isolate

HBF has today published safe sales and marketing operating procedures. This is available here and has been published alongside a joint HBF and MHCLG charter for safe working on site which is accessible here.

Advice to estate agents

New advice to estate agents include ruling out open house viewings and arranging visits to offices and viewings of properties by appointment only. The advice also includes instructions on the principles that underpin safe viewings of properties.

Advice to surveyors

Government advice to surveyors and EPC assessors makes professionals and members of the public aware of the need to share information on the property in advance to minimise time spent at the property. With regard to occupied properties, householders’ contact with surveyors should be minimised.

HBF continues to work with RICS and individual firms to develop more tailored guidelines, particularly around provision of information, with the aim of supporting valuers to recommence their work where necessary on site.

Advice to conveyancers

The advice to conveyancers continues to prioritise flexibility. Conveyancers are advised to take particular care in their advice to clients when moving to a currently occupied property. This states that they should ‘promote flexibility making provisions for the risks presented by coronavirus, for example when advising their clients who are ready to move not to exchange contracts on occupied property unless they have made explicit provision for the risks presented by the virus’

Inspectors and warranty providers

Where inspectors are required to visit an occupied property, they should contact the household in advance to check on the health status of those present. Where possible warranty providers should investigate claims remotely using photo and video evidence.

Removals firms

Removers are advised to make contact with households in advance to check whether symptoms of coronavirus are on display and also to encourage households to ensure internal doors are open and surfaces are clean. Where possible teams should be kept as consistent as possible.

HBF has supported the British Association of Removers in the development of their industry’s safe working protocols.

Removers, like surveyors, warranty providers and others, are advised to pay close attention to existing government guidance on safe working in other people’s homes.

The updated advice on home moving can be found here. The updated regulations which now include home buying and selling activities among the reasons for which it is acceptable to leave one’s home can be found here.

David O’Leary, Policy Director