According to Estate Agent Today, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick is expected to announce tomorrow that the housing market in England can resume with estate and letting agents returning to work. In the past two days the government has set out a complex set of new guidelines to help the British public, and economy, adapt amid coronavirus. Now expert claims the new rules will help boost the housing market.

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Yesterday the government announced surveyors can return to their work in homes.

Additionally, so can meter readers and plumbers.

Additionally, restrictions have been loosened on who can legally identify buyers and allowed deeds to be signed without in person witnesses.

Kate Faulkner, chair of the Home Buying and Selling Group, an industry group that has been leading discussions with the government told the Financial Times: “Over the last few days the UK residential [property] industry has been working collaboratively to create cross-industry coronavirus guidance for professionals.

“If everybody the consumer meets does exactly the same thing, they are more likely to understand that this is the new way to move home.”

In advice on buying and selling homes published in March, the government said: “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 in this document on home removals.

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“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.”

Many have been asking how they can still buy or sell property even amid coronavirus. 

Homeowners have been encouraged to postpone moving dates as much as possible, experts at TRUE Solicitors explained.

They said: “You do not need to pull out of transactions but follow safety guidelines.

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“If the property is vacant you are moving into, you can continue with this transaction. But should follow guidance on home removals.”

When can estate agents open? 

Estate agents are classed as non-essential businesses meaning they were closed in March.

Estate agents are able to continue to conduct businesses remotely currently, but they must adhere to social distancing measures.

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