Housing market market to stay open in new Tier 4 areas

Estate agents and removal firms working within the new Tier 4 restriction can continue to work, the government has revealed.

The announcement was made over the weekend after Boris Johnson revealed during his Saturday evening speech that some 18 millions people would face a full lockdown within London and part of the South East and the East of England.

These include the whole of London, most of Surrey plus Kent and Medway, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hastings and Rother, Hertfordshire and parts of Hampshire, Essex, Bedfordshire plus Peterborough.

But agents will be relieved to know that, unlike the first lockdown earlier this year when home moves were only allowed under limited circumstances, all homes moves are to be allowed.

Guidance

“Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work. If you are looking to move, you can go to property viewings,” the guidance says.

“People outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.”

“Follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering.”

But it has not yet been clarified whether estate agency can stay open, although Robert Jenrick tweeted on Saturday that ‘all associated activities can continue as possible’ which suggests they can.

Also, the government’s guidance page for the duration of the Covid outbreak still says: “Estate and lettings agents, removers, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes will be able to continue working”.

The Negotiator has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.