PLANS by the government to restart the house-buying market have been cautiously welcomed by an expert at a Warwickshire law firm.
Homebuyers and sellers had initially been told to delay completion on deals until lockdown ends. However, estate agents were given the go-ahead to reopen offices and arrange property viewings as of Wednesday following a slight easing of restrictions.
Tim Lester, partner at Leamington-based Blythe Liggins, which is a member of the Law Society’s conveyancing quality scheme (CQS), said while the restart is a welcome shot in the arm for the market, people should be aware there won’t be an immediate return to normality.
He said: “Throughout the pandemic to date, we have endeavoured to support the sales process as far as possible and make every effort to help clients due to complete on properties.
“This changing gear in terms of the market is very welcome news. Progressing transactions may not be as straightforward as they were pre-lockdown but we have adapted, and will continue to adapt, to the change in climate and do what we can to work with clients and agents to facilitate moves.”
As part of the ‘new normal’, conveyancers have been told to carry out as much of their business as possible remotely and, where client meetings must take place, measures should be in place to ensure appropriate social distancing and hygiene.
Tim added: “The process could well take longer than pre-lockdown due to restrictions still in place, so I think potential buyers and sellers need to bear that in mind.
“To try to lessen the effects, we would encourage sellers to instruct upon marketing, rather than upon acceptance of an offer, as a lot of timesaving work can be carried out during that preliminary period, thus helping us make the process as smooth as possible.”
