The government has confirmed that property transactions can continue during the lockdown that was announced yesterday. Naturally all of the usual common sense guidance and rules on safe behaviour continue to apply. Estate agents and removal firms can continue to operate provided that they do so safely, which means the use of face coverings and social distancing and all of the safeguards that we have become accustomed to. Subject to those safeguards though, viewings can still take place and conveyancing can carry on. Indeed, with record numbers of mortgage approvals reported in December the signs are that the property market will continue for the time being at least to be a very busy one.
In other developments, housing pressure groups are calling on the government to address the position regarding the service of tenancy eviction notices. As it presently stands, the partial moratorium on the service of new eviction notices announced by the government in November (which prevents Notices being served in any area in Tier 2 or higher for anything other than serious rent arrears and anti-social behaviour) is due to expire on 11th January. Given that Lockdown 3 is not likely to be reviewed until mid-February, the likelihood must be that the moratorium will be extended, but we await confirmation.
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