COVID-19

Last updated 7 January 2021

Physical viewings taking place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak (England)

The government has amended the coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations to make clear that people who wish to move home can do so. This guidance provides important public health information to ensure that moving home and key activities around this, such as viewing property, can happen safely.

The below is the government guidance on physical viewings taking place safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak (England):

  • If any member of either the household being viewed, or the household undertaking a viewing is showing symptoms of coronavirus or is self-isolating, then a physical viewing should be delayed
  • All viewings should be by appointment only and no open house viewings should take place
  • In-person viewings should only take place when buyers are seriously considering a property
  • Viewings should be conducted by appointment only and no open house viewings should take place
  • If your property is being viewed, you should open all the internal doors prior to the viewing, and allow access to handwashing facilities and ideally separate towels/paper towels
  • We would recommend that you vacate your property whilst viewings are taking place in order to minimise unnecessary contact
  • When viewing a property, everyone should wash their hands and avoid touching surfaces where possible
  • We expect property agents to accompany clients on a viewing and follow social distancing guidance. Where viewings are unaccompanied, agents should make sure viewers and the occupants of the home understand how they should conduct themselves to protect their health and the health of others
  • Once the viewing has taken place, the occupant should ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned with standard household cleaning products and towels disposed of safely or washed as appropriate
  • There are unlikely to be physical protection measures in place in homes. In this case we would advise estate and letting agents to wear a face covering
  • Members of the public who are viewing a property should wear a suitable face covering as described in government guidance unless they are exempt from this requirement. This should be confirmed with the agent before arrival. Anyone with concerns should contact the agent in advance of their visit to discuss appropriate measures
Full government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak