Unfreeze Housing Market

The housing market is currently frozen and whilst this was the right thing to do at time of lockdown, now that social distancing is understood and being adhered to by vast majority, there is no reason to continue stopping rental/purchase/sale activity to re-start.

Many people are stuck in temporary homes or locations, or in rental properties that are not upto scratch, with no means to escape during current extended lockdown period.

With industry safety guidance issued it would be very easy to maintain social distancing whilst viewing properties. I.e. ensure only 1 viewer appointment allowed at any one time i.e. no open or block viewings (or insist on queuing safely outside to ensure only 1 viewer allowed in at a time).

Other ideas could be recommending viewers (and sellers / landlords) wear gloves / face-coverings during viewing process, and ensuring 2m distance maintained throughout viewing.

Also agents should consider higher use of video tours of properties, so that potential buyers / renters can decide if a property is worth viewing in person, which would reduce the amount of unnecessary viewings taking place, ensuing only those with a real interest attend a physical viewing.

Also with increased work from home and suggestions this should continue where possible, the need for people to live in a suitable home and location with the space they need for their mental well-being is now much more important.

Why the contribution is important

Housing market frozen unnecessarily when safe-guards can easily be put in place. There is a housing shortage in Scotland and people more than ever have changing circumstances which will influence the need to move to a more suitable property in the coming months.

by scottishlad on May 05, 2020 at 08:42PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 26 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Stephaniekeachie May 05, 2020 at 21:02

    I totally agree the estate agency and solicitors sectors needs to be allowed to open up. They can be large employers in rural areas and small towns. Many firms have furloughed staff. These firms are getting enquiries but due to regulations have no one to deal with enquiries.

    By restarting the property market it will help drive local economies

  • Posted by coa May 05, 2020 at 21:17

    No reason why previously agreed property sales should not go ahead. People should not not be left in limbo.

  • Posted by charmainecassel May 05, 2020 at 21:18

    I have been unable to move into my new home as lockdown came 4 days before my moving date and I have had to pay storage weekly of £48 . My house is a new build and empty. My furniture is stored and I'm desperate to move. I'm living in my sisters home. And I am sure there are many of us living in limbo and need to settle.

  • Posted by Stephaniekeachie May 05, 2020 at 21:24

    Not just previously agreed plenty of people were unable to get an offer submitted just before lock down as well

  • Posted by Carronhall May 05, 2020 at 23:09

    I am a landlord and an being financially crippled as I can't advertise for a new tenant.

  • Posted by Ian68 May 06, 2020 at 08:26

    Agree that housing market could be opened safely with right socially distanced measures. No reason why empty properties couldn’t be sold/ rented especially if already agreed. Market could also benefit from electronic documents being used and accepted too.

  • Posted by lynnemacsween May 06, 2020 at 11:24

    Be a good place to start. If you have to be in lockdown at least it can be in a home you want to be in rather than being in temporary accommodation. Also eases burden of extra costs at a time when can least afford it.

  • Posted by emmas1408 May 06, 2020 at 11:57

    I am in a real pickle as the property I have bought has concluded but because no viewings are allowed have yet to sell mine. There is no reason why viewings could not happen if social distancing was practiced. Please let EA's open.

  • Posted by ECM May 07, 2020 at 11:01

    Permit viewing and transactions subject to social distancing and reasonable hygiene precautions (use of hand gel - ensuring all doors open to prevent having to touch surfaces etc.)

  • Posted by vl3092 May 08, 2020 at 11:13

    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, and it is already empty. The government are making me lose hundreds of pounds each month this continues, by having to pay bills, council tax etc for a property I don't live in anymore. I don't even live in the area anymore so I resent having to pay council tax for it.

  • Posted by FM79 May 08, 2020 at 14:25

    The housing market is critical to the economy. Thousands of people are stuck in limbo at the moment causing additional anxiety as no idea on when house moves that have been postponed due to lockdown can start up again. Plus lawyers, estate agents, removal companies all rely on the income. Should allow moves now as no reason they can't be done whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines

  • Posted by JamesI May 10, 2020 at 13:22

    Starting on 11 May builders are completing new homes in England They have safety measures supervised by foreman, onsite Marshall’s and spot visits I thought we were a United country seems unfair that Scots cannot move into vacant new 🏠 homes

  • Posted by KeithJBaker1 May 11, 2020 at 15:54

    Agree completely.

    The social distancing measures already in place in shops are less strict and harder to enforce in practice than would be needed for viewings and moves to restart. Plus it would be a simple and low-risk way to improve the quality of life for those wanting to and able to move.

  • Posted by LauraJones May 11, 2020 at 16:55

    My retired parents NEED to move to s more suitable house but aren't even allowed to house search
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