Can I Still Sell My Property During Tier 4?
The government’s decision to introduce new tier 4 restrictions for London, the south-east and east of England was announced this weekend. A recent surge in Covid-19 cases and a growing concern about a new strain of coronavirus spreading more rapidly into the region has left parts of the country pretty much having to cancel Christmas altogether, something that has left many families disappointed as their Christmas plans are thrown into disarray.
But what of the property market in these regions, do these new regulations currently affect your dream move in the new year? The answer is yes; you can still move.
Under the new rules, people living in a Tier 4 area must not leave or be outside of their home except for where they have a specific purpose, or a ‘reasonable excuse’, and that does include going to work and moving home.
But while people are still permitted to move home, those outside an individual’s bubble should not help with moving property unless absolutely necessary, according to the guidance. Here is the Tier 4 guidance.
It also states that estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work, with property viewings still allowed to take place as long as they adhere to Covid safety guidance, which includes social distancing and wearing a face covering.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick took to social media to confirm that renters and homeowners in England will be able to move and removal firms, tradespeople, and estate agents can still operate by going inside homes.
Writing on Twitter, Jenrick said: “Housing market update: the sales and rental markets remain open in all tiers. All associated activities can continue as before.
“Please follow the Covid secure guidance. And use your judgment as to whether it’s necessary right now.”
The guidance from the government for those looking to move home during the coronavirus outbreak remains the same.
What I know About Tier 4
Which parts of south-east England have changed to Tier four?
All current tier three areas across London and south-east England have moved into tier four restrictions.
The areas affected are:
● Greater London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London)
● Kent
● Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes)
● Berkshire
● Surrey (excluding Waverley)
● Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth
● Rother and Hastings
● Bedfordshire
● Hertfordshire
● Essex (excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
● Peterborough
What are the new restrictions in tier four?
The restrictions are similar to the last national lockdown in England, in November. They include:
● Residents should stay at home unless they have a "reasonable excuse" such as work or education.
● All non-essential retail will have to close, along with hairdressers, nail bars, and indoor entertainment venues.
● Gyms and indoor swimming pools, indoor sports courts and dance studios must close.
● No-one in tier four will be allowed to join Christmas Day bubbles in tiers one to three.
● You cannot meet other people indoors unless you live with them, or they are part of your support bubble.
● People should not leave tier four areas or travel abroad, except in limited circumstances (including work and education.)
● Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are not allowed except in exceptional circumstances.
What are you allowed to do in Tier four?
Some activities are still allowed:
● People can meet one other person from another household in an open public space (but must be on their own.)
● Buying things at shops (which are still open) such as food and medicine.
● Support bubbles remain unaffected, as do the exemptions for separated parents and their children.
● Outdoor pools, playgrounds, sports courts, golf courses and horse riding centres can stay open.
● Leaving home for work, education, training, childcare and medical appointments or emergencies.
● Communal religious worship.
Well, I hope this article is able to help a few of my readers. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch, I am here to help any of my readers.
More than just an estate agent…
I’m Gary Lintorn - Let Me Get You Moving...
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