Agents prepare for life after lockdown

Estate agents are preparing for a return to work with a growing expectation that viewings could be allowed to resume by the end of this month.

It comes after reports that housing minister Christopher Pincher has held discussions with industry representatives, including trade organisation NAEA Propertymark, about how physical viewings and market appraisals would operate under social distancing rules.

Under government proposals, masks, sanitiser and alcohol wipes would be required at viewings, which will be limited to two people plus the agent. Owners or tenants would be asked to vacate the building during the process. Those viewing will be asked not to touch surfaces while in the property, and agents will disinfect any surface that is. There will be no open house events and viewings will likely be time limited to 20 minutes.

John Rockel, Head of Strategy and Operations at Knight Frank, said that while the resumption of business under social distancing restrictions would be challenging, “it can be done safely for staff and customers and we’re ready for it”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline the UK’s route out of lockdown on Sunday.

Christopher Burton, head at Knight Frank’s Dulwich Village office, believes restricted viewings can work. He and his team incorporated a number of the proposals into their day-to-day operations ahead of the lockdown to protect clients, supplying gloves and sanitiser to those attending viewings and managing numbers and interaction. 

"It’s about setting expectations for buyers beforehand. If they know what to expect they won’t get distracted by the situation and can instead concentrate on making the most of their time while viewing" he said

See our latest Residential Market Outlook for the predicted impact of Covid-19 this year and next.