Guide to moving home during COVID-19

The cross-industry guide, Re-Opening the Home Moving Market Safely, sets out in detail how home move moves can take place in accordance with social distancing measures and public health guidance.

It contains practical advice and guidance, and will be relevant to lawyers and conveyancers, agents, lenders, mortgage advisers, surveyors, energy assessors and others involved in the home moving process. It will be continually updated as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.

The guide states that one professional and two adults maximum can take part in a physical viewing, and that these should take place outside of commute times. Consideration must also be given to video viewing and checking the COVID-19 status of occupants. Terms of engagement and client letters must be amended to confirm restrictions or information on the visit.

Simon Davis, President of the Law Society, said: ‘We welcome the announcement by government to re-open the housing market so that buyers and sellers can engage once again within the perimeters of social distancing guidelines.

‘The industry-wide guidance and subsequent guidance for solicitors will help them to get the market back on its feet safely, securely and as expediently as is possible.’

Paul Smee, Chair of the Conveyancing Association, said: ‘This guide will be followed by both specific consumer information plus conveyancing sector guidance which will cover a range of recommendations, as well as a checklist for conveyancers to follow.’