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The government has set out plans to re-start the housing market, which has been in deep freeze since the coronavirus lockdown.
Effective immediately, estate agents can open, viewings can be carried out, and removal firms and conveyancers can re-start operations.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the changes must be carried out under social distancing and safety rules.
It is estimated that there are 450,000 buyers and renters with plans on hold.
Mr Jenrick said: “Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process, from viewings to removals.
“This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”
- Coronavirus: House moves and viewings to resume in England
- Coronavirus: Property sales worth £82bn ‘on hold’ amid lockdown
In another move to unlock the housing market, Mr Jenrick announced a series of measures for the house building sector, including:
- Allowing builders to agree more flexible working hours with their local council, such as staggering arrival times to ease pressure on public transport
- Enabling local councils and developers to publicise planning applications through social media, instead of having to rely on posters and leaflets
- Providing support for smaller developers by allowing them to defer payments to local councils to ease cash flow
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “A resumption of work will play a major part in helping the economy recover, as well as delivering the homes the country needs.
“It should also provide the supply chain with the confidence it needs to accelerate its own restart.”
Mr Jenrick said guidance from Public Health England must continue to be followed. For example, anyone advised to self-isolate should continue to do so and not move home.
This guidance includes the permission for trades people to operate in homes, provided they follow social distancing advice.
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