PROPERTY SALES AND LETTINGS MARKET WILL STILL OPERATE THROUGHOUT LOCKDOWN, SAYS LEADING LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERT

The residential sales and lettings markets are very much still open for business despite the lockdown – that is the message from one of the county’s top estate agents.

Jan Hÿtch, chair of the Norwich & District Association of Estate Agents, and a partner at Arnolds Keys, has moved to reassure buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants that the new restrictions announced by Boris Johnson last night do not mean that the property market will grind to a halt.

Estate agents are still free to market properties for sale and to let, conduct viewings and progress sales – and all the associated services involved in moving house are also free to carry on trading.

“During the past ten months, the profession has developed a sophisticated and effective method of working safely, and this has been recognised by the fact that the property market remains free to operate during the new lockdown,” said Mrs Hÿtch.

“Using a whole raft of measures such as virtual viewings, socially-distanced viewings socially-distanced viewings with the utmost adherence to Covid-safe hygiene precautions, Zoom calls rather than face-to-face meetings and so on, estate agents have created a very safe way of completing a property transaction.

“We know that some people who are halfway through a purchase, or who have a property on the market, or who are looking for a tenant, will have been concerned to listen to last night’s announcement.  But I do want to reassure them that lockdown will not stand in the way of what they want to achieve.

Government guidance states: ‘You can still move home, but people outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.  Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work.  If you are looking to move, you can still go to property viewings.’

“Finding a home is undoubtedly an essential service – never more so than when we are all being urged to spend more time in our homes – and in helping our clients and customers to move home safely, the wellbeing of all involved is always paramount.  

“Professional property firms will therefore continue to observe the guidelines and operate safely and effectively throughout this third lockdown.”