Last week, the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced the plan to kick start the housing market, with Estate Agents opening their doors again. Positive news for the property market that has been heavily impacted by the lockdown.

Some agents acted quickly and opened their offices the next day. However, others like David Astburys in Crouch End, took a more cautious approach so that they could put the necessary safety measures in place.

George Sifonios, Managing Director at David Astburys said: “The primary focus for us at David Astburys and our Crouch End office is to ensure the safety and well-being of our team, our clients and our community. Our team have been successfully working from home since the lockdown was instated and have continued to service all our clients during that time, and we aim to continue to do that by following the safety guidelines issued by the government. Fortunately for us, business did not slow down during this time and we expect enquiries to pick up even more now that the office is open again.”

It is estimated there are 450,000 buyers and renters put plans on hold during the lockdown and since then property portals have seen traffic increase by up to a fifth. The lift of restrictions will test the housing sectors optimism that a wave of pent-up demand amongst buyers and renters is ready to be released.

It has been communicated that amendments have been made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) regulations in England and a reasonable excuse for being away from home will be expanded to include visiting estate or letting agents, viewing residential properties, valuations and property inspections, preparing a residential property to move in or sell, or moving home. All these activities are to be carried out under strict social distancing rules.

Yianni Aresti, Founder and Lettings Director at David Astburys said, “We were agile and quickly adjusted our service, offering Virtual Viewings and Valuations which have been very successful and well received by our buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords. We will continue to offer this service to any of our clients that request it and prior to any physical viewings being scheduled.

The government also outlined other measures to get the house building sector moving, the new guidance includes the permission for trades people to operate in homes, providing they follow social distancing advice. This restart of work in the building sector will play a major part in helping the economy recover.