Keeping you moving, whilst keeping you safe
For added peace of mind ahead of your market appraisal, we thought we'd put together some advice and FAQ's which might help to answer your questions or concerns at this difficult time. Updated 5th January 2021.
Are estate agents open during the current lockdowns in England
Official Government advice across England, Scotland and Wales is that the housing market should remain open subject to adherence of published safety guidelines. You can therefore still move home during the current lockdown. Estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work.
The safety and wellbeing of colleagues and the public in reducing the spread of Covid-19 remains paramount. We will be working in accordance with government guidance across the devolved administrations in England, Scotland and Wales.
Where possible our customer facing colleagues we will be working from home. However, our branches will be staffed in order to progress sales and to arrange appointments. Access to our offices will be by appointment only and so please ensure that you make arrangements with us via telephone or email before you visit to ensure that a colleague will be available to assist you. Please remember that you are required to wear a face covering before entering our premises and when attending appointments.
Can I get a valuation and find out how much my property could sell for?
Yes - we are here to assist both with your immediate requirements and if you are considering selling at some point in the near future. Your safety is our first priority. If you would like us to carry out a valuation we have the tools to help you. We can visit your property to carry out a safe and socially distanced valuation, but we also recognise that for some Sellers you may not want an agent in your home. We can still offer you an accurate valuation remotely based on the latest market conditions. If this is preferable, contact our branch, we are here to help however you want to move forward.
What are the safety measures for you and our Valuer?
If you or any of your household has shown symptoms of Covid-19 or has tested positive in the last 14 days, then please advise as we will not be able to proceed with the booking.
If you are officially shielding anyone at the property or whether you or anyone present at the property is in the vulnerable category, then please advise as we will not be able to proceed with the booking.
Time inside the property should be kept to a reasonable minimum. Appointments should not be double booked with anyone else.
Our Valuer will be wearing a face covering and will use hand sanitiser upon arrival at the property; they will do the same when leaving.
They may carry disinfectant spray with them and may need to use this for keys, their kit or even in some areas of the house if they feel they need to.
We respectfully advise that you wear a face covering during the appointment.
From arrival at the property, a 2m distance should be maintained between all persons. We will politely decline any offers of refreshments
We will aim to limit our time in the property and will answer any questions either outside of the property or over the telephone if necessary.
How will you market my property during this time?
This is one of the things that has not changed significantly. We will make sure that your property appears on all of the property portals, Rightmove and OnTheMarket. Your property will also appear on our websites. Remember that 90% of people start their house search online and with more people at home this may well increase. We still have new buyers registering with us every day and we are carrying out viewings in a safe and socially distanced way.
Can you still progress my property sale? How will you do this?
We are as committed as ever to progressing your sale to exchange of contracts. You can also contact your solicitor/conveyancer and mortgage advisor for updates. We will still pursue all parties involved and provide you with regular updates. We are here to help so please don’t hesitate to contact us.