Although coronavirus restrictions have now been lifted guidance remains in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Please read here for the most up to date public health advice and guidance.
General advice to industry and those moving home
Property agents, conveyancers and other professionals may choose to retain some modifications to how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19.
How businesses involved in the home moving process can mitigate risk
All businesses are encouraged to follow the government’s latest guidance for employers and businesses. As well as government guidance, we encourage all professionals and tradespeople to speak to their professional or representative bodies and familiarise themselves with any up to date guidance that these bodies have prepared for their specific sectors.
Where employees are at their workplace, employers are encouraged to continue to follow the Staying safe at work guidance.
For further information on the latest guidance around use of face coverings, please read the information on requirements for face coverings and exemptions.
Self-isolating and quarantine
For full details on the recommendations around self-isolation, quarantine and close contacts please read Coronavirus (COVID-19): self-isolating and close contacts | nidirect
Managing uncertainty
Once you have exchanged contracts or signed a tenancy agreement, you have entered into a legal agreement to purchase or rent the property. We continue to encourage all parties to be as flexible as possible and be prepared to delay moves if necessary; for example if someone involved in the transaction becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process, or has to self-isolate.
Coming into close contact with other people
While there are no longer any legal restrictions on contact with others, we still advise caution and personal responsibility in situations involving physical contact with others.
Viewings
We continue to recommend that buyers take advantage of any opportunities to view homes remotely in the first instance before committing to view in person and then only to physically inspect properties they have strong interest in.
It is recommended that everyone continues to follow good hygiene practices including regular cleaning and ventilation and, although it is not a legal requirement, people can exercise their personal preference to continue wearing masks in shared spaces if they wish to do so.
Tradespeople in the home
Tradespeople can continue to work in other people’s homes unless customers or tradespeople are self-isolating, as detailed above.
Members of the public should continue to consider good hygiene practices before tradespeople enter. This may involve cleaning items being carried by removals firms, wiping surfaces such as worktops and door handles, letting fresh air into rooms, and seeking to delay work if either party is showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Going further than this guidance
If you want additional measures or reasonable conditions in place for your move, please talk to the appropriate business about how to proceed.
These measures could include, for example, placing a cap on the number of visitors viewing your home at any one time. These measures are at the discretion of the homeowner and we would ask you to accommodate their wishes.
Agents and other industry professionals should ensure their clients are aware of and comply with these additional requirements, where they do not discriminate against protected characteristics.