This week the Government issued advice to those thinking of moving or in the middle of a transaction, and it has urged buyers and sellers to adapt and be flexible.
It has been advised that if you are in the middle of a house move and a sale has been agreed, to continue with the sale – there’s no need to pull out. However it’s important that you follow guidance to stay at home to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
The new advice on house moves from the Government moves states: “Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), we urge parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible to alter their usual processes.
“There is no need to pull out of transactions, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times, including the specific measures for those who are presenting symptoms, self-isolating or shielding. Prioritising the health of individuals and the public must be the priority.
“Where the property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with this transaction although you should follow the guidance on home removals.
“Where the property is currently occupied, we encourage all parties to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer be in place.”
Therefore, it’s important that where possible you delay moving to a new property while the country fights Coronovirus. If you have already exchanged missives and the property is currently occupied then it’s important to agree a delay in order to resolve the situation or at least give yourselves enough time to have the property cleaned prior to moving in.
If moving is unavoidable and parties are unable to reach an agreement that allows flexibility then you must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.
Mortgage lenders are currently working to find ways to enable customers who’ve exchanged contracts to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months to enable them to move at a later date.
Given that there should be no visitors to your home at present, it’s important that you do not have viewings on your property – this is not to say that your agent can’t to conduct virtual viewings so speak to them about this as an alternative.
You can still accept an offer on your property but factor in that the process will take longer and you may find that the buyer changes their mind further down the line given the volatility of the situation across the UK. However, if the property you’re buying is unoccupied you can continue with the transaction.
Talk to us if you would like further advice on buying and selling property at this time.