Estate Agency & Property Industry Given the Green Light

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has just announced (12th May 2020 at 8pm) that the housing market in England can resume with estate and letting agents returning to work as early as tomorrow.

Previously it was the travelling to and from properties for "non-essential purposes" that was the key factor in restricting activity.

But an amendment to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 published this evening means travelling can be undertaken for a range of purposes including, explicitly, dealing in property. The precise wording reads:

in sub-paragraph (f), omit the words “travel for the purposes of”;

(v) for sub-paragraph (l), substitute—

“(l) to undertake any of the following activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property—

(i) visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;

(ii) viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent;

(iii) preparing a residential property to move in;

(iv) moving home;(v) visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property;”;

A joint statement this evening from David Cox, chief executive of ARLA and Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark reads: “It’s great news for consumers and the industry that the housing market is being opened up and people can let, rent, buy and sell properties again. The new regulations provide clarity to agents and will allow them to deal with pent up demand from consumers. It’s also a step to reinvigorating the housing market and will be a boost to the economy. Safety of course will be paramount, and we would encourage everyone to ensure that they follow Government guidelines closely to protect others and themselves.

Jackson Property are now planning on seeking what all our clients would like in terms of viewings, along with awaiting the further details in terms of guideance from Property Mark & The Government on their minimum standards of safety & procedures to allow these viewings and valuations to happen.

We have all PPE equipment for staff and clients, along with a full company policy and procedure document, ready for when we are able to return, however we are being very honest and not puttng a date on a full return to work until we know all the details relating to the re-opening.

Our clients, staff & families remain priority during this time. We are available as always on the contact details for our offices.

#stayalert #controlthevirus #savelives