How will Scotlands lockdown tier 4 restrictions affect the local housing market?
Cheryl Mills, owner of Yendor Homes, attempts to answer the question on everyone's mind.
As of this past Friday, new lockdown restrictions came into effect across Scotland.
From the moment the announcement was made on Tuesday, I've been answering many requests and questions from clients.
In order to provide some clarity, I’ve highlighted key points that are being asked below along with my answers. I have also included a link to the Scottish Government’s guidance regards moving house at the bottom of this article.
Q: My location is now categorised as a Level 4 area, can I still put my property up for sale?
A: Yes. I am still being instructed to sell properties and as long as the appropriate COVID-19 secure procedures are in place, it’s business as usual, albeit with some set rules in place. All properties can benefit from a video and virtual tour so prospective buyers can begin their viewing of homes from the comfort and safety of their armchairs. If they have further interest, we will proceed to check on their financial status and what their moving situation is.
Q: What precautions are you taking to protect clients?
A: Everything now revolves around reducing the risk of the virus spreading. Both myself and any appointed third-parties will use PPE and will strictly follow the guidelines around social distancing along with rules around property viewings. This includes strictly no group viewings, 15-minute timed slots to see a property and the agent who shows you the home will be the only person allowed to touch surfaces or open doors. Door handles and surfaces will be wiped down once the viewing is complete.
Q: I’m interested in buying a home in a Level 2 or 3 area. I live in an area that is currently under Level 4 restrictions. Am I allowed to view a home in a lower level, given the travel restrictions between the different area levels?
A: I have been asked this a lot over the last couple of days. The travel restrictions would suggest it is not possible. However, at the moment, the Scottish Government website states “People can move home in all protection levels, and to and from areas with different levels, but may wish to consider if they can postpone a move and related activities in areas subject to level 4 protections.”
More clarity is being sought by the property industry and if you have any questions around this topic, please do get in touch.
Q: Are your offices still open?
A: Yes. I encourage people to call or email us as opposed to visiting our office however. Yendor Homes has a part to play in combatting this terrible virus. I take my responsibility to my clients, community, and colleagues very seriously and will continue to go about my work safely and carefully.
I am closely monitoring the situation, and if anything changes, I will be updating you all via my website, blog and social media.
Q: I have a question not listed above.
I understand that people looking to move during this time will have a lot more questions than usual and that’s why I will always be available to answer any of your queries related to the property market during this lockdown period which is scheduled to end on December 11th 2020.
Feel free to contact me or reach out via phone on 01236 316004.
Thanks for reading and please stay safe.
Cheryl x
P.S. Click here for the Scottish Government’s most recent update.