27th March 2020
Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus, the government is urging parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible to alter their usual processes. We outline the key points from the latest advice released on 26 March 2020.
Click here to read the government announcement.
There is no need to pull out of a transaction, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times, including the specific measures for those who are presenting symptoms, self-isolating or shielding. Putting the health of individuals and the public first must be the priority.
Where the property being moved into is vacant, then it is possible to continue with this transaction although you should follow the guidance from the government on home removals.
Where the property is currently occupied, the government is encouraging all parties to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus will no longer be in place.
In the new emergency enforcement powers that the police have been given to respond to coronavirus there is an exemption for critical home moves, if a new date cannot be agreed.
So far, the government have also sought to ease this process by:
What does this mean for my property move which is scheduled while the stay at home measures to fight coronavirus apply?
UK Finance have confirmed that, to support customers who have already exchanged contracts for house purchases and set dates for completion, all mortgage lenders are working to find ways to enable customers who have exchanged contracts to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months to enable them to move at a later date.
Click here to see the official announcement.
If your property is already on the market, you can continue to advertise it as being for sale, but you should not allow people inside to view your property.
There should not be any visitors into your home, and you should not let people visit your property for viewings. Your agent may be able to conduct virtual viewings and you could speak to them about this possibility.
The buying and selling process can continue but you should be aware that the process is likely to take longer than normal.
You are free to continue to accept offers on your property, however the selling process may take longer.
Once you have exchanged contracts, you have entered into a legal agreement to purchase that home. If the property you are purchasing in unoccupied you can continue with the transaction.
If the property you are purchasing is currently occupied, we recommend that all parties should work together to either delay the exchange of contracts until after the stay at home measures to fight coronavirus have been lifted, or include explicit contractual provisions to take account of the risks presented by the virus.
Conveyancers have been asked by the Government to prioritise support to anyone with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding from the virus and those they are in chain with, and we urge them to do all they can to help a new date to be agreed in these circumstances.
Click here to see the full government announcement.
If you have any concerns regarding your property transaction or would like further information, please contact the residential property team on 01782 525016 or email info@myerssolicitors.co.uk.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
