The Scottish Government announced changes to the current COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday. This included visits to other households no longer being permitted.
We have received the below update from the Scottish Government on how the restrictions impact the property market:
“This is to let you know that we are updating the guidance on home moves to reflect Tuesday’s announcement of new measures to drive down the infection rate (22 September 2020).
“We also want to confirm, in particular, professionals and trades who need to enter people’s homes to facilitate a home move can continue to do so, and our guidance on viewings by members of the public continues with a virtual first emphasis.”
From 29 June 2020, all home moves were permitted, provided they can be carried out safely. This continues to be the case following the announcement of new measures to drive down the infection rate on September 22.
Home moves includes students moving home and other home moves resulting in two or more households merging on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
Once you have formed a new household, you must comply with guidance on meeting others when interacting with other households.
You cannot be a member of more than one household and repeated moving between homes, causing households to mix beyond extended households, is not permitted without reasonable excuse.
Local restrictions
If you, or anyone in your chain, is affected by additional COVID-19 restrictions imposed in your, or their, local area, you must comply with these restrictions.
You are also advised to have regard to any relevant guidance in relation to your, or their, local area. How this affects your plans will depend on the restrictions and guidance applying to the area. For example, local restrictions may make it advisable to postpone viewings of properties or delay a home move, where this is possible.
In the Moving your belongings section of the Steps in the home move process part of Advice to the public, the Scottish Government advises.
• you should avoid asking friends or relatives from a different household to come into your home to help you move, where at all possible
Safety measures during COVID-19
In order to protect our staff members, partners, clients and contractors, we have put a number of safety measures in place.
Your safety comes first
At present our estate agency team are looking to conduct both virtual and physical property tours in the coming weeks.
If you are looking for property advice, our expert team is here to assist you on the best approach to getting the best value in these present circumstances.