We remain open during 2021 national lockdown

Firstly a Happy New Year to all our customers, we hope you and your loved ones are all safe and well. Only four days into the New Year, Boris Johnson made one of his first significant announcements of 2021 addressing the nation about a further Lockdown to begin in the early hours of this morning. The prime minster has placed the UK into Coronavirus (COVID‑19) Alert Level 5 – a national lockdown stating people must stay at home, except for limited exceptions. This very much mirrors the details of the announcement made a little over nine months ago. During his eight minute speech, he implied that this Lockdown in England may last until the middle of February. Following this latest announcement regarding Covid and the new national lockdown I would like to reassure our clients and customers that at VitalSpace, it is very much business as usual. People are still permitted to move home. People outside a household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary. Estate Agents and removals firms can continue to work. The latest government guidelines detail that activities such as property viewings are permitted and our procedures adhere to the required policies by delivering correct social distancing measures, wearing face coverings, staggered viewing times alongside the usual sanitisation measures we have all come to accept as the new normal. With all our properties, we also provide video and virtual tours where possible, to support those in person viewing options.

We are very pleased to hear the news that the housing market is to remain open throughout this national lockdown period. It is however essential that all parties involved in moving house continue to play their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by following all relevant guidance on how to safely conduct valuations and viewings. We would like to stress the importance of following the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing, letting fresh air in, and wearing a face covering.

Richard Antrobus – Director @ VitalSpace Estate Agents Of course, we appreciate you may well have questions following this latest announcement.We have put together the below FAQ’s which hopefully may help further.

Am I able to move during the lockdown?

Yes, Robert Jenrick the UK Housing Secretary confirmed that during this national lockdown, estate and letting agents are able to continue to operating. This does not just relate to existing property transactions but also allows those wishing to have their property valued and view properties to buy and rent. It is also permissible for banks and building societies to carry our mortgage valuations and surveys. All activities are subject to the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering.

Am I able to put my property on the market?

Homeowners are able to put their property on the market as well as look for a property to buy or rent. As long as the Government guidance is followed. VitalSpace are able to visit your home to provide a Valuation, prepare property particulars, create virtual tours and obtain photos of your property.

Am I able to view a property that I’m interested in buying or renting?

Both people looking to buy or rent a property can continue to view properties. To help prevent the spread of infection, the government recommends that you carry out initial property searches online, view our virtual tours and only visit a property in person when you are seriously interested. As social distancing is a key requirement of Government guidance, we suggest that you try as much as possible to limit the number of physical viewings and do as much virtually as you are able. We kindly request that that when you are viewing a property in person, please make sure you wear a face mask, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands or use sanitiser before and after. There shouldn’t be more than two households within the property at any one time, and viewings should only be arranged by appointment. If you’re selling your home and are having interested buyers come around to have a look, open all the inside doors beforehand to allow maximum air flow throughout your home. It’s recommended that you’re not in the property during the viewing and that you disinfect all surfaces after the viewing.

I’m in the middle of buying a home, can I expect delays during lockdown?

It is possible that some delays may occur in certain parts of the buying process, the legal (conveyancing) process may be slower than usual. This is because some solicitors maybe operating at limited capacity. We will however do our upmost to ensure your transaction is not effected.

Give us a call

As always, our team is on hand if you wish to discuss selling or buying a property or simply want to talk through the process. Also, don’t forget the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday is scheduled to end 31st March this year and we can help you to benefit whether you are a buyer or seller.