If you have thought about a move to a new house in lockdown you might have wondered how you can do so safely. I was speaking to an estate agent based in Wales the other day. They think they will be opening back up in around a fortnight. It feels like Wales wants to open back up in June here. Good news if you want to start to view properties again. 

Removals 

Removal companies are still operating in lockdown, one of these is EH1 Removals Edinburgh. This is handy to know as Scotland (and Wales) are not quite back to business like in England. Not all companies are still open. But please do not jump straight into booking the first removals company you find for your move. Given the situation with COVID-19 you might want to ask your removals company extra questions before booking them. Things like do they have PPE equipment available and what can you do to help them before they arrive? Will you need to wear a mask yourself. Check if the company completed any coronavirus safety training. 

Viewings 

According to The Telegraph as of the 13th of May you can now move to a new house in England. It does not need to be for critical reasons anymore. Although please remember that the rules in Scotland and Wales are different. 

Technology is so sophisticated you can view houses online. Although I do not think that can replace setting eyes on a property first-hand. But online viewings may well be useful for other members of your family as the government are advising only one person in each family can attend an actual viewing. Buying a house is a big decision. I think I would find it hard if my wife viewed a house and I could not see it for myself. An online viewing might only show certain parts of the house (most likely the best bits!) you miss out on having a good look at everything before putting in your offer. 

Before visiting a property, the seller is advised to leave all internal doors open, so you do not make contact with the handles. Also, it is recommended you do not touch surfaces. This is to keep the seller and yourself safe. An estate agent should show you round and the sellers would have been made aware they should vacate the property in advance. This can be frustrating having to leave your home, especially as it can take a lot of viewings before securing a sale. 

The property market has been struggling so the government are keen for it to go back to business as normal! Property prices are said to have fallen by 10%, good if you are buying your first home perhaps. But it will all even out if you have a property to sell.