Housing market to reopen

13 May 2020 12:25 PM

Landlords can now hold viewings and allow tenants to move in and out of rental homes – provided they follow social distancing measures.

The changes to the rules – amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) regulations in England – means estate and letting agents’ offices can open; viewings are permitted; show homes can open; removal companies and the other parts of the sales and letting process are re-started with immediate effect.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said more than 450,000 buyers and renters have been unable to progress their plans to move since March.

He said:

“Today I am announcing new guidelines to allow the housing market to resume. Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals.

“Our step by step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved.

“This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”

NRLA chairman Ben Beadle said:

“This is welcome news, giving much needed clarity to landlords, agents and tenants, and will allow those planning moves before the lockdown to do so.

“We would advise members to closely follow the government rules on social distancing to ensure they, their tenants and their families stay safe.”

Detailed guidance

The government has this morning issued more detailed guidance. It states:

The full guidance can be accessed here.