Can I Still Move House With The New Lockdown Rules?
With the new introduction of a 3 tier system, Can you still rent, let, sell or buy a home in London?
In short – yes. The advice from our government is extremely clear, at any tier level whether it be medium, high or very high – estate agencies as well as removal companies can continue work as usual. All viewings will follow our GLP Property Covid19 Guidelines which you can read about on the Greater London Properties website here.
Can I put my Property on the market for Sales or Rent with the new Lockdown Rules?
The government is very keen to keep the property market up and running meaning that agents can continue to provide Property Valuations. GLP currently have three options of Property Valuations available to all our clients – Instant, Social Distanced & Appointment. All of these you can book online here, or feel free to call a member of the GLP team on 0207 734 4062 and they can happily book this for you.
Can I expect any changes when I move house with GLP during a lockdown?
We have made quite a few adjustments to ensure both applicants and clients can feel confident and safe during viewings and valuations in this period:
1. We have created a number of virtual viewings to enable those not wanting to travel to see a property remotely.
2. Viewings and Valuation appointments can be booked online and via telephone, all information can be found on our website.
3. The government advise that physical viewings are kept to no more than 2 households *this includes the agent.
4. When visiting properties both parties should use hand sanitiser, wear masks and keep the advised 2 metre distance, please view our Guidelines here.
5. Our agents or the property owner will ensure internal doors are kept open, where possible outside windows are open, and surfaces are cleaned regularly.
Our advice to all our clients at the moment is to try be patient, our teams are working hard to keep to appointments and ensure everyone’s safety. If a tenant/homeowner is showing symptoms of Covid19, please expect your appointment to be cancelled and our team will re-arrange when the self-isolation period is finished.
For Residential Rental Offers
All rental offers with GLP can now be done on-line on our website including (secure protected) holding of credit card details to ensure the property is taken off the market.
All the referencing will take place online apart from taking a copy of your passport or Visa. We will ask for you to bring this to our office and wait in a secure area whilst our team photocopy this for Right To Rent purposes. For all information on what references you need to rent a property in London, please check our FAQ page here.
On the day you are due to move in, all contracts can be signed online, and keys will be organised for pick up either at your new property or at our Shop Branches.
If you are Buying a Property with GLP?
Our advice is be patient and flexible. At some point there may be delays due to Covid19 meaning a delay in your home move, in order to speed up this process;
1. Instruct your solicitor as soon as possible. It is possible to have a ‘Covid Clause’ within the contract which offers parties the ability to exchange contracts while ensuring you are not at fault or in breach if there is delay due to a Covid19 related issue. Click here to see our Sales Services.
2. Ensure all paperwork is in order for a speedy process.
3. Many mortgage companies are experiencing Covid19 related delays therefore start the mortgage process now. Our team recommend First Financial.
4. If you are using a removal company, then additional rules apply:
· Leave your doors open
· Ensure everyone wears masks at all times
· Clean your belongings where possible
For more information and advice, we recommend the following removal firm, Kiwi Movers – all details on our website.
At Greater London Properties we are committed to ensuring a safe environment where you can view and move into properties across London. Our team are fully up to speed with all the changes in government guidelines and if you would like any more information on any of the details above, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the team, all details below;
Branch Manager Soho, Sarah Smith – 0207 734 4062
Branch Manager Bloomsbury, Megan Cutforth – 0207 113 1066
Sales Manager Central London, Oskar Reissbacher - 0207 734 4062
We look forward to working with you.
Warm Regards
Kate Hill, Director