By: 14 May 2020
Keebles reacts to re-opening of housing market

Keebles has welcomed the re-opening of the housing market, with the firm’s head of residential calling the UK government’s decision to lift this activity out of lockdown “great news” for all home movers and investors.

Housing minister Robert Jenrick confirmed yesterday that estate agents, conveyancers and removal firms can all resume operations and viewings can recommence, although all activity must be carried out under social distancing and safety rules.

The UK government effectively shut down the housing market at the end of March, when it issued guidance urging homeowners and tenants to avoid moving home in order to comply with lockdown.

With the housing market once again open for business, Bonita Wolfenden, senior associate and head of residential in the Sheffield office at Keebles, confirmed: “Anyone in England can move to a new house as long as they follow the government’s new guidance. This applies to homeowners, property investors buying new assets and tenants moving into new rental homes.”

“Estate agents and surveyors have been given the green light to re-commence house viewings and surveys, these being subject to updated guidance published by the government today.”

Wolfenden continued: “Our conveyancing department has worked really hard throughout the lockdown, whilst adhering to government guidelines published in March. The fact that viewings and surveys can recommence is great news for all home movers and investors who can now progress their sales and purchases. The new guidance published today also means our clients can carry on with their transactions safely.”