Government releases restrictions to allow people to move

From Wednesday 13^th May people are allowed to move home and start viewings on their properties again as long as health guidance can be followed. With the news that people who can’t work from home should return to work too, it should see the return of valuations and mortgage approvals.

This is good news for our current vendors and purchasers who were waiting patiently in the interim. Hopefully in the next few weeks as we adjust to the new normal, more transactions will be able to proceed to completion.

Some of the ways property transactions have been affected due to the pandemic:

• Closure of local authorities delaying the return of searches
• Valuations being unable to be carried out meaning mortgages could not be issued
• The temporary removal of some products by mortgage lenders during the uncertainty
• Inability to book removals/move safely
• Closures of some law firms/reductions in staff meaning only urgent transactions ready to complete have been progressed and others placed on hold
• Uncertain vendors and purchasers placing matters on hold.

While some transactions involving empty properties were still able to complete during lockdown, it is a welcome development that we are now be able to help our vendors and purchasers complete their chain transactions.

There are strict rules to be complied with. Social distancing still needs to be observed, viewings can proceed with a maximum of 2 people and the vendor should vacate the property while the viewing takes place. Removers need to wear gloves and masks whilst still observing social distancing where possible.

Here at Mincoffs Solicitors, we have been working hard to adapt to new working techniques and technologies during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure continuity in the quality service we provide to our clients and the fulfilment of our regulatory obligations.  We have quickly adapted to new ways of working in a digital environment which has required innovation in terms of transaction documentation and signing logistics, interacting with clients using products such as teams, skype and zoom and generally progressing matters electronically . We do apologise however to any clients who may have heard a whining cat, barking dog or a child singing in the background of calls!

Our colleagues in the property industry are adapting and will be slowly making their way back to work while trying to observe the new government guidelines.   In the interim, our experienced team continues in full operation and we are contactable as normal during office hours via email and telephone. You can have every confidence that we can progress your transaction in full from start to finish and correspond with you in the way that you prefer.

If you are considering buying or selling a property, and wish to instruct us or obtain a quote,  please contact our Head of Residential Conveyancing, Emma Liddle on 0191 212 7758 or via email at eliddle@mincoffs.co.uk who will be delighted to assist.