Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Moving home during the stay at home isolation period

The Ministry of Housing communities and local government have now published guidance on buying and selling homes during the stay at home period.

At the top of the agenda is prioritising the health of individuals and the public.

The government is urging parties moving home to be flexible.

The guidance makes it clear that there is no need to pull out of transactions but it is necessary to follow the guidance to take into account the measures for those who are presenting with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding.

If you are moving into an empty property you can continue with the transaction following guidance on home removals.

Where properties are occupied everyone is encouraged to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates for when it is likely that the stay at home measures are no longer in place.

If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and it is not possible to agree a delay, it is important to follow the advice on social distancing to minimise risks.

The guidance covers advice to the public and those involved in the house buying  industry including estate agents, solicitors, surveyors and removal firms.

The government has sought to agree with banks that where customers have already exchanged contracts for a house purchase and set dates for completion that mortgage lenders should find ways to extend mortgage offers for up to 3 months to enable a move at a later date.

The guidance sets out that if financial circumstances change or the terms of the purchase change significantly during the period lenders will work with customers to help manage their finances as a matter of urgency.

If you have any questions about your house move please contact Tracey Dovernor, Senior Conveyancer Alsters Kelley at tracey.dovernor@alsterskelley.com

The full guidance can be found here  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak