Blog
Information for Buyers and Tenants:
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Now that property sales and rentals can take place again, you may be wondering what happens on viewings and what new safety measures are involved. The following information is designed to help you to understand what is required in the current scenario. If you are in a designated vulnerable category for health reasons or are shielding/self-isolating, please seek additional medical advice on what is best for you during this period.
Finding your dream home and viewings
If you are searching for your ideal property to buy or rent we can help. We have teams in each of our 15 offices who will be delighted to take your call and discuss your property requirements. We are seeing increasing numbers of new properties coming to the market now so for instant email alerts of properties that match your needs be sure to sign up on our website .
Viewings can now take place but for your safety, as well as that of everyone else, there will be significant changes to the way in which we conduct these, in accordance with government guidelines as outlined below.
Should you wish to view a property, we encourage you to view the video tour of the property first. We do this because the government guidelines suggest that you spend as short a time as possible in a property at the viewing and this will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with the property before you visit. This will allow you to optimise the time you spend on the actual viewing. We also require you to follow the new viewing protocols explained below.
We will ask all viewers if they (or anyone they live with); are currently suffering from Covid 19, are showing any symptoms of Covid 19, have been in contact with anyone in the last 14 days who has been ill with Covid 19 or has shown any symptoms of Covid 19, are self-isolating or “shielding”. We ask the same questions above of the vendor/landlord/existing tenants (if the property is occupied) and require all parties to inform us as soon as possible if this information changes at any stage.
The property will have been cleaned before your viewing, with specific attention to door handles, light switches and other “touch points”. However, we ask all viewers not to touch door handles, light switches, etc. All internal and external doors will be open, relevant lights on and windows open (where possible) to remove the need to touch anything.
One of our team will meet you at the property and if the vendor/landlord/tenants are at the property they will ideally vacate the property by going for a walk, sitting in the garden/car etc. If this is not possible then social distancing will be observed at all times. Pets will either remain outside the property during viewings or, if indoors, they will be contained/caged.
Our staff will be wearing PPE and will sanitise hands/gloves before the viewing in order to protect themselves, to protect you and the vendor/landlord. We ask that you, the viewer, do the same ie wear a mask and to clean/sanitise your hands outside the property before the viewing commences; a viewing will not take place otherwise.
Viewings will be kept to no longer than 15 -20 minutes and any subsequent conversations should be had outside the property where social distancing can be observed, or preferably via a telephone/video call once we are back in the office. A maximum of 2 people will be allowed to view the property and they must be from the same household. No children under 18 will be allowed to visit the property.
Our employees will normally accompany viewings however, should a vendor or landlord choose to conduct a viewing, please be advised that all of the above procedures must still be adhered to.
Other Meetings: For the foreseeable future we will be opting for alternatives to physical meetings wherever possible using digital technology, telephone, email and video tools – depending on what you are comfortable to use. There may be times when it is necessary to meet property professionals, and, in these instances you will be required to follow social distancing guidelines. As you can see, your safety and that of our vendors/landlords/tenants and our staff, is our main priority. These procedures are all in place for that reason, and we are grateful for your help with this. You should expect other property professionals to exercise the same level of care for your safety before visiting any property.
Whilst some things are now different, our aims have not changed, and we remain committed to looking after people and property. So please be assured that we will continue to do all we can to help you find your dream property. We will remain committed to excellent customer service throughout your search and to a smooth, stress-free purchase or rental.
We hope that this answers any questions you might have but if you would like further clarification on any aspect of buying or renting, please consult our Residential Buying Guide or Residential Renting Guide or contact your local Frost office.
