Moving During Lockdown

Moving During Lockdown

In recent weeks we have updated you on both Buying & Selling During Lockdown and Your Mortgage Consultation During Lockdown but what happens once you make an offer and have it accepted? In this blog we will look at the next steps and give some tips on how to safely move home under the current restrictions.

The Good News

The good news is that you are able to move home during this time, with a few caveats due to working restrictions and to optimise safety for everyone involved!

Conveyancing & Delays

Solicitors are still working at this time but be prepared for potential delays or for the process to take a little longer than you may be expecting. This is because the majority of both estate agents and solicitors are working with a smaller staff than normal due to the current situation. This often means that there is a backlog for them and that may impact the speed of your home sale and/or purchase.

As there is a greater risk at this time of delays due to someone having symptoms or COVID-19 and/or self-isolating it is important that you speak to your solicitor about ensuring that your contracts have the flexibility to accommodate these risks. The current guidelines stress being as flexible as possible if delays arise due to these issues. Be prepared to postpone for anything up to a few weeks.

Exchanging Keys

Once all the paperwork has been processed and the dates settled, an exchange of keys will still take place at our offices. We ensure that the keys are sanitised and stored in an envelope to minimise contact.

Making Your Move

Removals firms are able to operate at this time, however it is advised to pack your belongings yourself if you can. If you decide that you would prefer to carry out the move yourself, then it is vital that you ensure that you and anyone helping you adheres to social distancing, wears a mask and minimises contact.

If you are using a removal firm be sure to contact them as early as possible – and if you need help with packing up your home tell them as early as possible. It is also advised that you clean everything in your house with a domestic cleanser before it is handled by others.

Make sure that your home is a safe environment for removers to work in by having all the internal doors open and giving them space to work without contact. Everyone should also be wearing face coverings, where appropriate, and be regularly washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.

You can read more on the Scottish Governments Guideline here.

As always, we hope this helps! For more information on how ABC Mortgages can help you with your mortgage needs you can contact us through the information below.

Thanks,
Bill Muir
ABC Mortgages

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