Can you move home during lockdown?
Can you move home during lockdown?
One of the questions we've had a lot from tenants, buyers and sellers recently is whether it's okay to move house right now. England remains in lockdown with 'stay at home' restrictions in place for most of the country - but what happens if your tenancy has come to an end or you want, or need, to move house for other reasons? We are letting agents in Hackney and we can tell you that the good news is that the housing market in England remains open during lockdown. That means that if you are a tenant looking for a new contract, or you want to put your home on the market, it's possible to do so.
Moving home during a lockdown
Although moving is allowed by the current restrictions anyone who does it during lockdown will find the process slightly different than in previous years. For example, it's much more difficult to arrange viewings if properties are not empty. So, be prepared to make decisions based on virtual viewings or to be flexible about viewing times so that it's possible for physical viewings to take place without contact between individuals from different households. We're highly experienced letting agents in Hackney and we've had to adapt like everyone else during the pandemic. These are our tips for anyone moving home during this time:
- Make sure you have the basics covered. If you're going on viewings then frequently wash your hands, wear a mask and keep two metres away from everyone you don't live with or who isn't in your support bubble.
- Viewings should be by appointment only. 'Open house' viewings are currently not allowed and viewings should be on an individual basis at a specific time. All the internal doors should be open during the viewing and it's a good idea to open windows too.
- Don't ask your friends to help. You can't ask anyone outside your household or support bubble to get involved with the moving process. However, professional movers are fine. The government recommends that individuals do most of the packing themselves where possible, only bringing in movers at the last minute.
- Get organised in advance. Do plenty of research when you're looking at properties online - request clearer photos or videos and make a list of everything you need to know, from nearby schools to how old the boiler is. This will enable you to identify the information/insight you can only get from a physical viewing so that when you're actually in the property you can see everything you need swiftly, keeping the risks low.
- Cleaning is more essential than ever. End of tenancy cleans now need to be even more thorough and are likely to be a key requirement for landlords and new tenants. Letting agents in Hackney, like us, are going to be very focused on this.
- If you're selling your home during this time then consider vacating early. It might be worth renting a property elsewhere to reduce the risk of people being in your space or staying with a friend if you can form a support bubble. The rules allow for the use of hotels by those who are moving or unable to return to their main residence - check which hotels are open first before you rely on this option.
- Be prepared for delays. If a current tenant or homeowner is exposed to, or infected with, COVID-19 then the requirement to self-isolate could slow everything down so you might have to be patient and expect delays. If you're about to move into a property where someone has been sick or self-isolating then you'll need to wait, as it won't be possible to move in straight away.
Whether you're buying, selling or renting it's still possible to find - and move into - that dream home even during lockdown. We are letting and estate agents in Hackney - if you're keen to move into or out of this area, get in touch.
