For those who are looking to buy, rent or sell properties during the coronavirus pandemic, new measures are being put in place for them to do so safely and efficiently.
The Scottish Government has issued new guidance on moving home as of June 29.
Watermans Legal are delighted to announce that all home moves are permitted, provided they can be carried out safely.
Members of the public are allowed to leave their homes in order to move home and undertake activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property, including visiting estate or letting agents; viewing residential properties to buy or rent; and preparing a residential property to move into.
Jacquie Sandison, Estate Agent at Watermans Legal, commented: “With restrictions easing and a new way of working now clear, the team at Watermans Legal is here to keep you moving safely whether you are buying or selling a property.
“Throughout lockdown we have continually supported our clients, welcomed new ones and are looking forward helping clients realise their property aspirations in a friendly, professional and safe manner. We are a dedicated team who are on hand to support you every step of the way.
“However, the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in a property transaction is of the upmost importance to us, and with more freedom to move home, public health and safety will always come first at Watermans Legal.”
The new guidance has provided advice for solicitors dealing with property transactions, with a particular emphasis placed on the need to make clients aware of the differences in completing transactions during this period. It must be noted that the process of finding and moving into a new home is going to be different than it was before Covid-19.
Our staff will include the use of face masks and available hand sanitisers, maintaining a two- metre distance when liaising with views, conducting virtual walk throughs when necessary and following full health and safety protocol.
All viewings should take place by appointment and only involve members of a single household.
The recent announcement has been welcomed by John Sinclair, convener of the Law Society of Scotland Property Law Committee.
He said: “We have worked very closely with both the Scottish Government and Registers of Scotland throughout lockdown to develop and deliver responsible and accurate guidance and information to conveyancing solicitors and were pleased to be asked to join a Working Party with Scottish Government and others to assist in the development of their latest guidance.
“While this guidance does not signal a return to business as usual, it is a measured but very positive development for the profession, the clients they serve and the Scottish economy.”
Our estate agents have always shown flexibility and ability when it comes to dealing with changes in the industry.
We have already seen an increase in the number of calls from eager house hunters and would advise clients to start preparing their homes for putting on the market. There has also been a real appetite for virtual viewings.
Read our easy guide to preparing your home for selling as lockdown measures ease for more info.