Lockdown rules eased for homebuyers and sellers

The Government yesterday announced new regulations that will lift the seven week freeze on property viewings and home moves.  Effectively the green light.

People will now be allowed to travel to visit estate agents and view properties. The announcement follows guidance which signalled that surveyors could return to work.  

Although this is positive news for the property industry it appears to be frustrating for others as they argue that it is bizarre you can walk into a stranger’s home to peruse and take your time viewing but you are not allowed to visit close family members to do the same thing.

Does any of this actually make sense?

I believe it does because we are all different and will have different priorities.  We have to start somewhere.  Much of it is actually down to common sense.

Since the sector has been suspended since the end of March new sales have dropped off.  The process of buying and selling a house is now going to be radically different. The guidelines are being finalised but what we know now is that doors should be left open around homes when viewers are in attendance and washing hands and social distancing maintained.  

Mortgages

Getting a mortgage is still a big issue.  Self employed people amongst many others have seen their salaries plummet during the Covid-19 outbreak.  It is estimated that more than 450,000 buyers and renters have been unable to progress their plans to move home since March. Therefore, re opening the doors may not mean very much to those who now cannot afford to sell or buy.

Should the light be amber rather than green?

The fear is not going away. We’re all scared, and we are going to have to live with an element of fear going forwards.  The government have said that we are now past the peak so there is hope but no guarantees.  

We know that once the green light is on you have to drive forwards and cannot stop start to cause an even bigger accident.

This long Bank Holiday as it is now called is going to have to come to an end at some point that we can be sure of because the cost on our economy, our schools, the taxpayer and our sanity is off the scale.