Scottish property market given green light to re-start

Scotland’s property market is expected to restart on the 18 June as part of the Scottish Government’s phased exit from lockdown.

In her announcement yesterday (21 May), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressed that the reopening of the housing market remained reliant on the number of people infected with Covid-19 in the country continuing to fall.

Phase one of the four-step ‘route map’ is due to commence next week on 28 May. 

This will see the resumption of some work in the construction sector under social-distancing restrictions and preparation for the ‘safe reopening of the housing market’ in June. 

The roadmap does not reveal whether estate agents will be able to recommence viewings and appraisals of property next month, however sector specific information is expected to be released by the Scottish Government over the next week.

Tom Stewart-Moore, from the Knight Frank Edinburgh office, said the news was welcome as many people were waiting with deals under offer while the property industry in Scotland remained paused.

“Equally as important as this June date will be news as to when we can restart viewings and advise new clients on when we can begin marketing their property. Hopefully we’ll be provided with clarity next week but we’re currently targeting a resumption in June.”

Under the road map non-essential indoor office workplaces such as estate agency branches are not scheduled to re-open until the third phase on the 11 August, with working from home remaining the default until this time.

England’s property market was restarted last week leading to a rebound in house purchase enquiries bigger than the “Boris Bounce” that followed December’s general election.