The housing market can continue to operate during England’s latest national lockdown, with updated Government guidance on how to move home safely.
2020 was a turbulent time for the housing market. We faced an unprecedented upheaval in our operations, which we are proud to say the Rickman Properties team and our clients swiftly adapted to. Whilst we had hoped to leave the tumultuous backdrop of coronavirus restrictions in 2020, the pandemic continues to have an impact into 2021.
On 4th January 2021, the Prime Minister announced that England would be moving into a new national lockdown by transitioning into UK Coronavirus Alert Level 5. People must stay at home, except in exceptional circumstances, which includes moving home. The new national lockdown guidelines state,
“The housing market in England will remain open during this national lockdown. This means that people looking to move home will be able to both continue with planned moves and view new properties to move into in the future. Estate and lettings agents, removers, valuers and people in sales and letting offices and show homes will be able to continue working.”
We would like to update you on how Rickman Properties have modified how we are working to reduce the risk from COVID-19.
Visiting the Rickman Properties Kensington Office
As permitted by the Government, the Rickman Properties Kensington office remains open. Our office can be found at 21 Earls Court Road, W8 6EB.
Our office door is locked, so please knock so we can let you in. All of our agents will be wearing face coverings and unless you are except, you must wear a face covering in order to enter. You must practice social distancing while in the office by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. This helps keep our team and clients safe.
Selling or Letting your Property
You are allowed to put your home on the market, and people are able to physically move into or rent your property during this new national lockdown. As always, you must ensure your property is thoroughly cleaned before someone else moves in.
Our agents are permitted to visit your home in order to take photos and videos, providing social distancing is maintained and face coverings are worn.
For advice on renting your property during the latest national lockdown, please read the government guidance here. We can also provide you with our expert advice directly.
There remains strong demand for property in Kensington and Chelsea, but if you have any concerns about putting your property on the market at the present time, please call us on 0207 937 9777 or email us on info@rickmanproperties.com.
Property Viewings in Kensington and Chelsea
Government guidance allows for property viewings, permitting public health guidance is adhered to. We remain permitted to delay a physical viewing if you have been abroad recently and if you have been in contact with an infected person.
We are only taking a maximum of two people around a property at a time to ensure social distancing is maintained throughout. Ideally, only individuals who plan to be living in the new property should attend a physical viewing. We require your contact details for any tracing that may be required should you come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 during the visit.
Like the property viewing guidance we released in September last year, you must wear a face covering, and some viewings now require you to wear gloves (we’ll make sure you know in advance). Please wash your hands thoroughly before and after viewings and bring sanitiser for use before and after viewings.
If your home is being viewed: open all windows and internal doors prior to the viewing; vacate the premises for the duration of the visit, if possible; and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned after each viewing.
We are also offering live or pre-recorded virtual tours on all our properties.
Putting an offer on a Kensington and Chelsea property
Offers can be made and accepted at the present time. Prospective buyers who have agreed on a sale are permitted to visit the property again and can arrange for the necessary tradespeople to carry out inspections.
The Government further advises,
“If you are about to enter into a legally binding contract, you should discuss the possible implications of COVID-19 with your legal professionals and consider making contractual provisions to manage these risks. You should not expect to immediately be able to move into any home where people have COVID-19 or are self-isolated
Finally, when moving between properties, you and those in your households should try to do as much of the moving process as possible. If this is not possible, only use professional removal services rather than friends or family in order to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
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We are working within the restrictions and trying to be as helpful as possible in the circumstances. If further advice, please contact us on 020 7937 9777 or email us on info@rickmanproperties.com
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