Lockdown 3.0 – We’re still open for business

Updated 5th January 2020 – Lockdown 3.0

As we are sure that most of you are aware, following the UK Government’s announcement pm the 4th January 2020, the country will be going into a national lockdown. The property market has been allowed to continue to operate during this time.

Samuel Estates will continue to provide all services whilst operating at full capacity with strict safety measures and policies in place – just as we have been doing so since March.

Below are some FAQs we’ve compiled. But, as always, if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help.

General FAQs – Current and Prospective Tenants

  1. Can you move house during lockdown?
    The answer is yes – renters and homeowners will be able to move, so long as all parties adhere to social distancing and safety measures.
  2. Can you still view properties in person?
    We’ll be utilising Virtual and Video Viewings where possible. All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of that household. Existing tenants or vendors will be asked to vacate the property whilst we conduct viewings.
  3. What happens if I struggle to pay my rent?
    Please inform us about your situation as soon as you envisage difficulties. It’s our job to ensure we do the right thing for all parties involved. It would also be worth checking to see if there are any government benefits available to you.

Property Marketing and Viewing Information for Landlords, Buyers and Vendors

  1. Can sales be completed during the new lockdown?
    During the last national lockdown, advice stated that completions should have been deferred where possible. We are expecting this advice to be similar to the previously issues. We are awaiting more information from Government.
  2. Can Landlords evict tenants during the new lockdown?
    During the March lockdown the government introduced a blanket eviction ban for all landlords and tenants. It’s not yet clear whether the same rules will be in place during the new national lockdown.
  3. Can property viewings still take place?
    We’ll be utilising Virtual and Video Viewings where possible. All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of that household. Existing tenants or vendors will be asked to vacate the property whilst we conduct viewings.
  4. What about maintenance and safety checks, can these still be carried out?
    Yes, so long as social distancing and safety measures are in place. Tradespeople and construction sites have been permitted to operate.

We will be updating this page with any new and relevant information that gets released from Government. All in all, the guidance remains the same and stipulates that business is conducted safely with diligence and adherence to Covid safety measures that have already been implemented across the industry.

Stay safe, stay well.  

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