Property market given permission to remain open during new lockdown
Valuations, inspections, market appraisals and viewings will continue
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The property market has been given permission to continue operating during England’s new month-long lockdown.
John Rockel, head of strategy and operations at Knight Frank, described it as acknowledgement that the industry has been operating in a safe manner since the market reopened in May.
“We’ve followed our Covid protocols throughout, and reissued guidance to staff as well as briefing all our section heads ahead of this lockdown.
“Despite being able to remain open, it is important to state that in all cases we discuss with the parties involved what they are comfortable doing, be that a virtual viewing or physical visit with PPE,” he said.
Knight Frank’s UK residential business set an all-time record for offers accepted in October, underlining the extent to which the market has bounced back since it re-opened in May following the first lockdown.
Parts of the conveyancing system are struggling to cope as buyers and sellers attempt to complete transactions ahead of the end of the stamp duty holiday on 31 March.
Agents have reported a mixed picture since lockdown began on 5 November and we will be exploring its impact in more detail next week.
Housing market remains open
The Government, RICS and NAEA Propertymark issued a joint statement confirming the market would remain open earlier this week, which Propertymark has responded to.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick, along with the executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation and chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, also wrote to the industry to make clear that the housing sector will keep operating.
As a consequence, Knight Frank’s office network remains open but continues to operate on an appointment only basis.