How will the Four-Week Lockdown affect the Housing Market in England?

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a second national lockdown for England, through a Q & A on Twitter, Robert Jenrick clarified how this second Lockdown will impact the Housing Market.

Q: Can I still move house?
A: Yes – the housing market will remain open throughout this period. Everyone should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance.

Q: Are mortgage holidays ending?
A: No – the mortgage payment holidays will no longer end today and there will be further information published by the FCA on Monday.

Q: Should I still go to work on a construction site next week?
A: Yes – anyone who cannot work effectively from home should travel to work and follow the relevant guidance for their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting vital sectors.

Q: I previously shielded – will I need to do so again?
A: We will not ask people to shield in the same way again but if you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should minimise contact with others. We will publish full guidance the next few days.

Q: Can a tradesman or women come into my home?
A: Yes - Tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, repairers of domestic appliances can enter your home. They will need to follow social distancing guidance that has already been published.

Q: I live in West Yorkshire. Will the planned Tier 3 restrictions come into force this week?
A: No. The only changes will be the national measures announced by the Prime Minister, effective on Thursday.

Points to Consider - Lettings and Estate Agents
As a result of yesterday's announcement, it is important to ensure that ALL the relevant Covid-19 protocols are in place. Use our free Covid-19 Bundle and re-visit the information that was provided by Government on 11th May 2020 about working in other people's homes.

Please keep accurate and detailed records where access is refused for Safety Inspections, Property Inspections, Viewings and Valuations.

Please ensure that if your team is Working From Home, you implement the relevant protocols, which include and are not limited to GDPR and Data Protection.

Continue to implement the use of PPE and the Covid-19 protocols that apply when conducting valuations, viewings, move-ins, check-outs, property inspections and if necessary rely on technology.

Ensure that ALL employees, landlords, tenants, stakeholders and contractors are made aware of how you will be continuing to conduct your business.

Register for our free Webinar on 2nd November 2020 at 12.00 - Coronavirus Update - the Four-Week Lockdown and the Housing Market in England