Property market opens up from today

House sale activities and house moves in Scotland can restart properly from today, subject to physical distancing rules still being observed.

Under revised Scottish Government guidance, from 29 June 2020 all home moves are permitted, provided they can be carried out safely, including students moving home and other moves resulting in two households merging, and custom and self-builders.

Permitted activities now include visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes; property viewing; preparing a residence and moving in; and visiting a property to undertake activities required for its rental or sale.

Solicitors and estate agents are hoping for a rush of business due to pent-up demand.

However, the guidance warns that “This is not a return to normality.” 

It continues: “Those involved in the process will have to adapt practices and procedures to ensure that the risk of spread of COVID-19 is reduced as far as possible. This will include doing more of the process online, such as virtual viewings and ensuring that you continue to follow advice on physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene.

“We encourage everyone involved to be as flexible as possible over this period and be prepared to delay moves, for example if someone becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate. It may also become necessary to pause all home moves for a short period of time to manage the spread of the COVID-19. We will let you know if this has to happen.

“You should also consider whether you need to make provisions in contracts to manage these risks. You should not expect to move into any home where people have COVID-19 or are self-isolating.”

Find the guidance, and any updates, under “Housing and accommodation” at www.gov.scot/coronavirus