From 2 December, the UK Government reverts to its localised approach to managing the Coronavirus outbreak in England. It is important to understand the COVID alert level system and what the different levels mean, what new restrictions they impose and how they will impact businesses and the housing market.
England: Following the UK Government announcement on 19 December, people living in a Tier 4 area in must not leave or be outside of their home except for where they have a specific purpose, or a ‘reasonable excuse'.
Moving home and associated activities within the housing sector are deemed as a 'reasonable excuse', therefore, estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work. Property viewings are still allowed to take place as long as the COVID-19 safety guidance is followed, which includes social distancing and wearing a face covering.
UK Government guidance on Tier 4
Wales: House moves can still take place but only if the moving date cannot be delayed until after alert level 4 restrictions are lifted. The Welsh Government strongly advise that virtual viewings are used wherever possible, but viewings of properties can take place during alert level 4, however household mixing must be avoided during viewing. High street estate agencies are required to close to the public.
High street estate agencies are required to close to the public. Associated activities, for example, removals processes, property preparation, handover of keys, surveys and valuations can take place in line with guidance on working in other people’s homes.
Welsh Government guidance on Tier 4
Important note: The guidance, restrictions and legislation surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic are constantly changing and therefore you must always refer to the Government guidance to stay abreast of the latest information.
The COVID alert levels are designed to set out information in a simple, structured way, so that local authorities, residents, and workers can easily interpret what restrictions are in place in their local area.
Each local authority is given an alert level, often referred to as ‘tiers’, tier 1 being the lowest and tier 3 being the highest. This is a brief outline of the tiers. For the full information on COVID alert levels, visit the Government website.
The current guidance is that house moves and the activity supporting house moves can continue in all the COVID alert level tiers.
However, it is increasingly important that all safety guidelines are followed strictly. Propertymark has produced best practice guidance, designed to work alongside the guidance from the Ministry of House, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to ensure that all safety requirements are met.
Propertymark best practice guidance
UK Government guidance
Scottish Government guidance
Welsh Government guidance
NI Government guidance
In all cases, estate and letting agencies should:
It is vital that the property sector take guidance seriously and ensure that policies on PPE are being followed without exception.
We recommend reviewing your policies and working practices and ensure that they are robust as there will be fines up-to £10,000 for businesses breaking COVID-19 rules.