Home buyers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are allowed to move home, despite any local restrictions or lockdowns. However, everyone should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance.

In fact, there are several reasons why it may be advantageous to move home at this time. The housing market is currently a hive of activity with plenty of opportunities available, according to conveyancing experts at JMP Solicitors.

“Whether you’re looking to get on the property ladder, move home, buy another property or add to your portfolio, now is a good time to get moving in the current climate as the housing market is particularly buoyant,” says Jacqui Harley, head of conveyancing at JMP Solicitors.

Another great reason to move is the stamp duty holiday for homes up to £500,000, which applies until March 2021.

Finally, as Covid-19 cases start to rise again in many parts of the UK, it would make sense to begin the process of buying or selling now, in case we face a second lockdown or additional restrictions. If a further wave of coronavirus does create hurdles, at least you will have started the ball rolling.

So what will be different if you decide to buy or sell a house at the current time? You can expect the following to apply as part of the ‘new normal’ for moving home at the moment:

1. More is being done online

The process of searching for and moving into a new home is different because property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from Covid-19.

These changes include doing more online, such as offering virtual viewings. While these are a good initial filter for properties you may want to buy, you must of course visit it in person before parting with any hard earned cash!

2. Viewing rules

With physical viewings, the government advise:

• There should be no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of that household.
• Viewings in person need to be arranged by appointment only. When viewing in person, you should maintain a 2 metre distance where possible and avoid touching surfaces.
• Homeowners should keep internal doors open and clean surfaces and door handles with standard household cleaning products afterwards.
• The government advises estate agents and potential buyers/tenants on viewings to wear face masks.

3. Expect delays and be flexible

If someone in your chain has symptoms of coronavirus, you may have to wait while they self-isolate, which could add delays to your move. Your conveyancer will be able to make sure that any contracts or agreements are as flexible as possible to accommodate this risk.

In particular, you will want to protect yourself against the likelihood of a sudden change in circumstances which could undermine your sale and/or purchase, and expose you to unexpected costs.

A “Covid clause” within the contract offers parties the ability to exchange contracts while ensuring you are not at fault and in breach of contract, with all of the associated costs, if you are unable to complete because of a coronavirus related issue. Speak to a conveyancing solicitor for advice.

4. Packing and moving

The government advises you do as much of the packing yourself as you can. If you are using a removals firm or someone outside your household is helping you, these additional rules apply:

• Clean your belongings where possible before being handled
• Leave doors open
• Do not provide refreshments
• Use separate towels or paper towels for hand washing

You may want to speak to a cleaning firm to thoroughly clean the house you are leaving and/or the one you are moving into. A deep clean of your onward home once it has been vacated will reduce the risk of contamination and put you at ease.

For further information, we recommend you check the government website which gives all the regulations surrounding coronavirus, including how to stay safe when moving home during coronavirus.