Property Market

Property and Mortgage surveyors have stopped work even on 'sales agreed' and for empty properties. I would hope the govt would specifically encourage such industries back to work as property surveys can be conducted whilst observing social distancing. Without this profession restarting work next week pending sales may be lost.

Viewings should also be able to happen whilst observing social distancing and adopting hygiene measures such as wiping down any door handles touched, etc. I would expect this is far less risk than working in a factory or at an airport, etc but is could have a huge impact on the economy and those needing to buy / sell / move house.

Why the contribution is important

We need to get those deferred sales completed so the property market and values are not affected by Covid - whilst of course ensuring maximum protection for those working in the industry.

by lalpton on May 05, 2020 at 01:09PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 36 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Edinproperty May 05, 2020 at 13:54

    Absolutely agree

  • Posted by vl3092 May 05, 2020 at 14:10

    Agree wholeheartedly. There really is no reason why my house sale should have been delayed for so long given there is no need for direct contact with anyone involved. Just means I am losing money every day having to pay for a property I don't live in anymore.

  • Posted by jtaeu May 05, 2020 at 14:29

    Totally agree there needs to be more done in this area in the interim.

    I am trying to remortgage my house and borrow additional funds from a new bank, but as the bank are unable to conduct a physical survey this is not progressing and I will soon be locked into paying a much higher SVR with my current lender until surveys can take place.

    The government should also encourage greater consistency, some lenders are relying more on virtual/desk based surveys or thinking of a new approach to get things done, while others aren't.

  • Posted by NickReece May 05, 2020 at 17:06

    Totally agree. We're buying a new build home, no soft surfaces inside. Can easily be disinfectanted / fumigated. We sold before lockdown and are renting a flat with 2 kids. Would be great to get into our home that is literally waiting for us. We need a garden right now!

  • Posted by BeataK May 08, 2020 at 07:51

    I agree, property market should be unlocked assp. I have an empty flat that the buyer cannot move into because of social distancing so the transaction got stuck.

  • Posted by FM79 May 08, 2020 at 14:27

    Agree, house moves should be allowed to start up again

  • Posted by wildone May 08, 2020 at 15:35

    The viewings and surveys are two elements of a sale/purchase transaction. There is no point in being able to do this part of the transaction as long as the most critical element, the legal transfer of title cannot happen because the Registers of Scotland remain closed for the most part.

  • Posted by Tom9nn May 09, 2020 at 08:24

    I agree so long as safe social distancing and hygiene measures are legally required.

  • Posted by Kensim9 May 11, 2020 at 13:10

    As soon as possible open Registers of Scotland, and allow moving of house with physical distancing, the social distancing should be dropped
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas