Buying, selling & renting in London’s Tier 2 Lockdown
Fri 16 Oct 2020
Paul Bennett, Director
As of 12:01 on Saturday 17th October 2020, London moved into Tier 2 of the Government’s new restrictions. The move has left buyers, sellers, tenants and homeowners scratching their heads over what is and isn’t allowed in the capital.
Unlike the first nationwide lockdown, the current restrictions in London are not as severe and will be reviewed on a rolling two-week basis. Here, Behr & Butchoff answers the most commonly asked questions since the Tier 2 categorisation was announced.
Can I put my home on the market?
There are no restrictions in Tier 2 should you wish to sell, let or buy a property. A member of the Behr & Butchoff team can make an appointment to value your property in person and take photographs for marketing purposes, with peace-of-mind that we continue to follow the Government’s advice on moving home during the coronavirus outbreak. Removal companies can also work during Tier 2 restrictions, so there is no reason why your sale or purchase won’t complete if you have already exchanged.
Can I view a property in person?
The good news is Tier 2 restrictions allow people to continue with in-person property viewings, as long as there is a stringent ‘by appointment only’ booking system in place, respect for social distancing guidelines and no more than six people in the property at any one time. We would like to reassure all our clients that we continue to deliver a high quality, personal service while following all of the Government’s safety and wellbeing advice.
Can I have trades people in my property?
Under the Tier 2 restrictions, work carried out by trades is deemed as essential, so carry on booking - especially if you are a landlord responsible for the welfare and living standards of tenants. Workers are also exempt from the ‘rule of six’, so if you are a six person household and someone comes to fix your washing machine, they are not breaking the rules. Anyone visiting your property should follow the ‘hands, face, space’ advice, and visits should be rescheduled if anyone present has tested positive for coronavirus, is waiting for test results or is displaying symptoms.
Is your St. John’s Wood office open?
Under the Government’s Tier 2 guidelines, estate agency branches can remain open to the public. The Behr & Butchoff office at 105 St John's Wood Terrace is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 6pm, and on Saturdays 10am until 1pm. Outside of these hours you can send us an email or request an instant valuation – both available on our Contact Us page.