Buying and selling property is often cited as one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through and good advice goes a long way during the process. This has never been more true than during the current crisis.
Here are six things you need to know if you are in the process of buying or selling a home:
1. Expect the process to slow down
The government has set out that home moves into occupied properties should only take place where contracts have already been exchanged and it has proved impossible for the parties involved to agree a deferral.
2. Exchange and completion
For those who haven’t yet exchanged contracts, you are still able to continue with your transaction and should use this time to work with a conveyancer to progress the transaction and read through the documents involved in moving home.
For those who have exchanged contracts, have a two-step process to delay the move until the end of the current stay-at-home period, with the ability to extend that timescale if government restrictions are extended.
Every case should be treated on an individual basis and any clauses or processes should be amended to individual needs. Once all parties have agreed to a deferred completion date, then a written agreement can be drawn up to vary the contract. To avoid contamination, parties won’t need to sign a physical document, but an e-signature will be needed to authorise this deferral. This clause should state that once restrictions end, there will be a period of time agreed before you move to enable everyone to get ready. Ensure the timescale will give enough time to sort removals and arrange everything, as there will be a real demand for these services
Where deferral cannot take place, then completions will go ahead for critical moves.
3. Removal companies
For critical moves, it is unlikely that any removal companies will be operating due to the new government guidelines, so people must safely move themselves and ensure social distancing and Public Health England advice is adhered to. We do presently, at time of writing this, have one or two removal companies still available to help.
4. How to stay safe during a move
If your move is critical and you move during restrictions, it is important to stay safe and only do so if the property is empty. The advice from Public Health England says that you must not endanger yourself or others during a move and should complete a deep clean of a property if you are moving into a new home and ensure any governmental advice on decontamination is followed.
5. Preparation is key
It can feel daunting to pursue a move at the current time, but even if you aren’t ready to move right now, conveyancing experts can be working in the background to get everything ready for a future physical move, so it’s always a good time to start planning and paving the way for your future, whilst you have lots of free time on your hands.
Start thinking about bringing the decoration up to a high standard, paying particular attention to the ‘kerbside appeal’. This is the view of the property as a potential buyer arrives and sees the property for the very first time. For example, does the front door need a paint or varnish?
Need more tips? Have a chat with one of our friendly sales team.
6. Communication will not stop
It’s possible to carry on the conveyancing process – we are still working, banks are still working and a lot of client communication and cases can be handled through remote working, either on the phone or through Skype and Zoom to keep the ball rolling and to ensure a professional and seamless service is delivered.
Need a valuation on your property?
Maybe this is a perfect time to get an up-to-date valuation on your home. We can still value your property remotely so go ahead and learn more about our valuations during the crisis using the button below:
What’s next?
If you would like more detailed advice on the sale and purchase of your home, please contact one of our team who will be pleased to discuss this with you.
