Ever since the Government announced that we were going back into lock down we have been inundated with people asking about how this will affect their transactions. As it stands, we are continuing with business as usual as much as we can. We are adhering to all the Government guidelines and maintaining social distancing where possible.
So what does the latest lock down mean for people buying, selling and renting properties? We take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions we have received over the last couple of weeks.
Remember, we are always adding to our amazing catalogue of properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas so check in regularly or call us on 01344 843000 and email us
What are we permitted to do when it comes to property?
As per new regulations laid out this week (11/11/2020), buyers, landlords and tenants are allowed to visit estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes; view residential properties to look for a property to buy or to rent. Buyers are allowed to complete their transactions and move house; vendors or landlords are permitted to visit a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property.
Can I still go to market?
If you’ve been following our social media channels you’ll have seen that we have several properties coming to market every week. With the Stamp Duty Holiday deadline creeping ever closer people are eager to take advantage of some of the savings available. That coupled with some excellent mortgage rates makes now a very attractive time to bring a property to market. We are still allowed to visit, view and photograph your property.
Am I still able to complete my purchase?
Yes. You are still allowed to move home during this lockdown. However, it is more important than ever that everyone involved does their bit to stop the spread of the virus. Make sure masks are worn, gloves where appropriate and the use of sanitiser and cleaning products on hands and surfaces respectively; in short, the Government guidelines should be strictly followed.
Moving house
The Government recommends that people outside your household or support bubble should not help you unless it is absolutely necessary. We would be happy to recommend a Covid compliant removal company should you wish to hire some professional help for your house move.
What’s changed?
More Online Activity
While searching for and finding properties can still be done online, we will be much more easily contacted by email. The same may be true of conveyancers and other professionals as they modify their practices to mitigate the risk of infection. We have also started producing video tours of our properties to help you to get a better impression of the property.
Viewings guidelines
We are closely following all the Government guidelines in order to keep our staff and clients safe. We ask that where possible everyone stays 2m apart and avoids touching anything in the property. We recommend that homeowners clean the property with before and after the viewing using standard household products, paying special attention to door handles, light switches and surfaces.
As usual, viewings will be by appointment only and masks must be worn by all parties. Only two households will be able to attend the viewing; this includes the accompanying agent, it is acceptable for people from the same household or support bubble to attend.
For our properties to let in Virginia Water we have 3D virtual tours available on our website so that you can have a closer look at the interior of the property before deciding whether or not to visit the property for a viewing – it’s a great tool to help you shortlist properties.
Delays
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that everything takes longer when people work remotely. It has also helped us understand that we need to be a little more patient and flexible in our expectations and even how to help minimise the amount of delays we experience. While this is true of general life, it is extremely relevant when it comes to the world of buying and selling property.
One of the best ways to keep delays to a minimum is to instruct a conveyancing solicitor as soon as you list your home or as your offer is accepted. We’d be happy to introduce you to a solicitor. It is also advisable to have all of your paperwork in order and ready to go – everything from planning permissions to FENSA window certificates, along with any guarantees and warranties which will transfer to the new owners.
Making sure you have your finance in place early will also help you to keep any delays to a minimum. Securing of mortgages is one of the most common factors in delaying transactions.
Get in Touch
If you are thinking of moving to the area, make sure you take a look at our amazing catalogue of properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas.
If you’d like to speak to someone about properties to let in Virginia Water, a member of our expert team would be happy to help. You can call us on 01344 843000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
image: Monkey Business Images/shutterstock
