COVID-19 Industry guide to supporting a safe home moving process released

Re-opening the home moving market safely - May 2020

A cross industry guide to re-opening the housing market, enabling people to move safely has now been published today.

It is essential that if you are thinking of buying, selling, letting or renting that you read in particular the consumer guidance and follow the three latest checklists for moving during COVID-19 (please see bottom of the page).

Although you can now move, there are a lot more things that you and the property industry will need to do to do so safely.

This is an industry wide set of guides, so if anyone tries to help you move and, for example, is planning to visit your home and asks no questions about whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms or not – they are unlikely to be taking yours or their own safety seriously and I suggest you don’t use them.

This isn’t a time to move ‘on the cheap’, you need real property professionals that will move you and your family safely.

The contents of the guides have been shared with Government, industry regulators and Public Health authorities.  

BUT as the situation is constantly evolving, information to be updated regularly and sector specific guidance will be continuously added.

Recommendations include:-

• How you can ensure you move safely 
• How ID checks can take place
• Video viewing and checking the COVID-19 status of occupants

Beware it’s not wise to take kids on viewings and the agent may need to be present to ensure guidelines are met.

Industry Terms of engagement/client letters may well be different, so confirm restrictions or information on the physical inspection/visit.

Kate says:
"The re-opening of the property market is incredibly important for those currently stuck in properties which are no longer suitable for them. However, both property professionals and consumers need to make sure they adhere to these new guidelines so everyone can move safely. The property sector has worked incredibly hard to ensure these guidelines allow buying, selling and renting a home to be done safely, which is of paramount importance. Consumers will need to be patient while the industry gears up to move them."

Download the Industry guidance: re-opening the home moving market safely here

Prepare for a property professional to visit your property for sale or let	Home viewings, property visits and assessments	Checklist for moving day during COVID-19