Property market reopening for renters, buyers and sellers

Lifting of lockdown measures allows socially distanced property viewings

The government has announced that as of Wednesday 13th May, the housing market will reopen and bans on property viewings and valuations will be lifted.

As long as social distancing measures are in place, people will now be permitted to travel to visit estate agents, lettings agents and show homes. House buyers will also be allowed to view residential properties that they wish to buy or rent.

Surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the sales market was effectively put on hold in late March when the government advised against all non-essential house moves. In turn, the sector saw providers offering innovative online tools for budding buyers including one-on-one video calls, digital launches and virtual tours. You can find out more about this in Share to Buy’s coronavirus update from April.

However, these new regulations will mean that buyers and renters alike can once again view properties in-person, arrange removals and move home. This is welcome news following other movement in the sector, with mortgage lenders such as Nationwide, Halifax, Santander and Virgin Money reopening their doors and kick starting their mortgage deals.

Register with Share to Buy to be kept up to date with all developments regarding first time buyers products and housing options such as Shared Ownership and Help to Buy. You can also start your property search on Share to Buy’s portal!