From November the 5th, a second national lockdown was imposed in England in an attempt to slow down the spread of Coronavirus and protect the NHS.
The first lockdown which began on the 16th of March, 2020, caused the property sector to come to a screeching standstill leaving many would-be buyers waiting in the wings to make their move.
Previously, the housing industry and those planning to move were told that a second lockdown would result in temporarily shutting shop.
Now, once again, the Government is asking people to stay inside, work from home if they can, and greatly reduce social contact with friends and family members until at least December 2nd when the tiered system will again come into effect.
But where does this leave movers and those hoping to buy a property in 2020/2021?
Is the property market open during the second lockdown?
Yes. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said businesses crucial to the housing market can continue to operate while following health and safety rules.
We’re open for business here at The Mortgage Hut so those looking for a mortgage can still seek advice and find the deal they need to secure finance. We provide online mortgage advice, as well as telephone and face to face appointments.
Estate and letting agents are allowed to remain open during lockdown too and unlike the last lockdown, house viewings can also continue.
Many businesses have adapted in the wake of Covid-19 and so those who are shielding or living with vulnerable people can usually access virtual house viewings via online portals like Zoopla or Rightmove or through their estate agent.
What is the Government advice on home moving during coronavirus?
The Government’s official advice is that:
“We encourage all parties involved to be as flexible as possible and to be prepared to delay moves, for example if one of those involved becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate. It may become necessary to pause all home moves locally or nationally for a short period of time to manage the spread of coronavirus. We will let you know if this needs to happen.”
If you have concerns about local restrictions and how they might affect your ability to move during the second lockdown, you can use the Government’s postcode checker to find out the local COVID alert level and which restrictions apply in your local area.
Until that event may or may not happen, the Government’s website has guidance that applies to people moving into or out of homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters.
What is the guidance for moving home in England during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Wash your hands frequently
Keep as much distance as possible from other people who are not members of your household
Ensure you follow the latest guidance on practical steps to reduce transmission
Maintain a 2 metre distance apart where possible
Take extra precautions when in close contact with others and wear a face covering
Ensure your previous property is thoroughly cleaned before someone else moves in.
Anyone involved in any aspect of the home-moving process should practice social distancing in line with public health advice.
When moving between properties, you and those in your household should try to do as much of the packing yourself as you can. Where this is not possible, you should speak to removal firms in advance.
Can removal companies operate during lockdown?
Removal firms are able to carry out work but their usual procedures may be different to ensure moves take place as safely as possible. To help with long distance moves, you can stay overnight away from your home with your own household or support bubble in line with the latest guidance on staying over anywhere other than your main residence.
Contact removal firms as early as possible in advance of your move date to allow time to book and organise the move
If removal firms are unavailable, another household can help you move your belongings, but social distancing guidelines and hygiene measures should be followed where possible.
You and your household should also try and do as much of the packing yourself as possible.
Clean your belongings with standard domestic cleaning products before they are handled by others, including removal firms.
While the removers are in your home, you should ensure any internal doors are open and try to minimise your contact with the removers, maintaining a distance of at least 2 metres where possible.
All parties should wash their hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser and should avoid touching surfaces where possible to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
You should not provide refreshments but you should ensure removers have access to hand washing facilities, using separate towels or paper towels if possible, which should be washed or safely disposed of afterwards.
What is the guidance for viewing homes in England during the COVID-19 pandemic?
When viewing prospective properties in person, you should avoid touching surfaces wherever possible, wash your hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser. If you need to be accompanied by small children, you should try to keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly.
All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of that household.
Wash your hands frequently
Keep as much distance as possible from other people who are not members of your household
Ensure you follow the latest guidance on practical steps to reduce transmission
Maintain a 2 metre distance apart where possible
Take extra precautions when in close contact with others and wear a face covering
If people are coming to view your current property, either to rent or buy, vacate the property to minimise contact with other people if possible
Moving during Covid-19 FAQs
Can I move into rented accommodation during lockdown 2?
Yes, letting agents are open, as well as viewings being able to take place, so those looking to move into a rented property can move.
Government guidance must be followed and is applicable to all landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Can I move to another country during the second lockdown?
If your move involves travel outside of England you should check with the appropriate local authorities to determine what local rules may be in force and consider any implications for your move.
I need work done to my house during lockdown, can tradespeople come in?
Tradesmen including plumbers, electricians and decorators can go to homes in England during the national restrictions although you should check your local restrictions and refer to the Government’s safety guidelines before booking a tradesman to visit your property.
That means that if you’re about to move but need work done to your old property, you can arrange for it to be completed ahead of your departure.
If you’ve recently moved and need home improvements such as plumbing or even basic decorating, this can also be carried out under the Government’s safer working guidance.
Tradesmen should be scheduled with one person visiting the property at a time and under no circumstances should a tradesmen enter a property where a member of the household is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or self-isolating.
Where a tradesperson is visiting the property, the occupier should maintain social distancing, wash their hands regularly and minimise contact as far as possible, for example by staying in another room.
Buying and selling a home during the second lockdown: FAQS
Can I still buy a house during lockdown 2?
Yes, if your circumstances allow it and you meet your lender’s criteria for a mortgage, it may be possible to buy a property during the second lockdown in England. Estate agents are allowed to remain open during lockdown and house viewings can also continue.
Keep in mind that Covid-19 has caused delays within the property market and the Government is encouraging buyers and sellers to be as flexible as possible and be prepared to delay moves if necessary, for example if someone involved in the transaction becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate.
Are lenders and banks open during the second lockdown?
Banks and lenders across the UK are still operating, so depending on your circumstances, you could have an array of mortgage agreements to compare. Seeking advice from a professional is often a route taken by those who want to save time and potentially money as a mortgage broker can use their access to the market to source the most competitive deals.
Can I apply for a mortgage during the second lockdown?
Yes, mortgage brokers are still working and can assist you with your search for an appropriate lender. Before you apply for a mortgage, check your eligibility as if you apply to a lender who is likely to reject you, your credit history could be negatively impacted.
Getting a mortgage is reliant on your ability to prove you can afford to repay your loan so preparing your documents, saving a deposit and checking your credit score are always recommended ahead of applying for a mortgage to move house.
Our brokers can help prepare your mortgage application to help you avoid mistakes that could cause delays or result in a credit rejection. If you’ve been furloughed during the Coronavirus pandemic, our advisors can advise you on your next steps if you’re determined to get a mortgage.
Can I view a property in person during COVID-19?
All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party.
Can I look for land or properties to renovate during lockdown?
Yes, the guidance also applies to custom and self-builders looking to acquire a plot or a property to renovate or demolish, so you can visit plots or properties for sale in England during the second lockdown.
To help prevent the spread of infection, the Government recommends that you carry out initial property searches online; and only visit a property in person when you are seriously considering making an offer on it.
Can surveyors visit self build sites during lockdown 2?
On custom and self-build projects, surveyors can visit plots you wish to purchase and undertake valuations to support the release of staged payment mortgages.
Can I list my home for sale during lockdown?
Yes, listing your property is still possible and you should seek the advice of your chosen estate agent who should refer to the Government guidance when assisting you with the sale of your home, BTL or commercial property.
However, if you or any member of your household is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or is self-isolating, then estate agents and potential buyers should not visit your property in person.
Get the right mortgage advice during the pandemic
With so many changes to adhere to, moving home or getting a mortgage to buy a house can seem off putting for some who feel unsure about what they can or can’t do. The good news is that the restrictions allow for the property market to remain open in England for the time being and with interest rates low and house prices predicted to fall, now could be a financially opportunistic time to borrow and buy, depending on your circumstances.
Many people are looking to downsize and remortgage whereas others want to buy a larger property for their growing family away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whatever your reason for wanting to move in 2020, our experts can help you secure a mortgage agreement that works for you.
Tell us about your plans to move via our contact form or give us a call.
