Surveying

When the property market returns we will need unambiguous defined structure to allow surveyors to carry out property inspections. This will differ between residential and commercial properties but at present I am concentrating on the residential market albeit some of the suggestions will be transferable.

Social distancing is likely to be with us for the foreseeable future until a vaccine has been developed and fears have been allayed but if the residential market is to recover we will need to find a widely acceptable way to inspect residential property that is occupied.

A residential survey is non disruptive but it does require a certain degree of disturbance in the property when windows/doors are opened and closed, sub floor areas and roof spaces accessed, cupboards inspected, services viewed, tests carried out to establish moisture levels etc.

This is not a definitive list but a means of starting the conversation

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). If it obvious when at the property that they are self-isolating for the right reasons then abort the inspection and advise the occupier that you are following the firm’s Business Continuity policy and advise the instructor that the survey is on hold pending safe access. Contact the occupier again in several days to see if access is advisable.
2. Do not shake hands when entering a property.
3. When entering a property ask to wash your hands.
4. Advise the owner that social distancing is being practiced and for everyone’s protection rooms should be vacated when being inspected or the property vacated.
5. Anyone following you around should be asked to keep an appropriate distance away ( 2m )
6. Surveyors to wash their hands when leaving the property and/or use a hand wash.
7. Roof hatches and sub floor hatches to be opened and ready for inspection.
8. Surveyors to use appropriate PPE

For the majority of people their wealth rests in their property and if the property market was to be significantly affected and prices were to fall then the opportunity for negative equity, debt and repossessions increases after a period of reduced income for the most people.

Predicted increased redundancy levels will exacerbate this.

It is therefore important to ensure that the property market is allowed to function as soon as possible. In Scotland residential properties must have a Home Report in place so it is crucial to have surveyors back supporting the residential property market in a safe and measured way.