The coronavirus lockdown brought the housing market throughout the UK to an abrupt halt in March. Spring is traditionally one of the busiest periods in the property calendar so this has had a significant impact. Registers of Scotland closed the Applications Register. This meant that we couldn’t transfer the title to property. That closure had a very significant impact on the ability to buy and sell property. However, interested parties began working together to get a system up and running. When this happened, urgent cases could then settle.
So, where are we now – some 10 weeks on from the start of the lockdown? Well, we’re beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The Scottish Government has published its route map out of lockdown. This means we’ll see the housingmarket beginning to move when Phase 2 starts. At the moment we’re in Phase 1. That means we can start getting ready for the housing market to re-open.You’ll not see many of the steps we’re now taking to get things ready for the move to Phase 2.
What happens with the housing market when Phase 2 arrives?
Whilst we have not specific date for the move into Phase 2, many things will change when we get there. When we do, members of the public will be allowed to leave their homes to do certain things. These include:
- Visiting estate or letting agents
- Visiting housing developer’s sales offices or show homes
- Viewing residential properties when looking for a new home to rent or buy
- Preparing a residential property to move in
- Actually move home
- For the professionals, visiting residential property to deal with any activities required to bring the property to the market
This will mean that the housing market will begin to move again in Scotland. There is likely to be a bit of a scramble when we enter Phase 2 with people wanting to get their property onto the market or complete their purchase. We will all still have to practice social distancing and good hygiene practices for some time to come. However, when we move to Phase 2, it will mean that
The indications are that if the statistics continue going in a downward direction, we may find out when we’re likely to move into Phase 2 when the Scottish Government conduct their next review on 18th June 2020.
There are many things you need to do to if you’re planning on moving house. We’re here to help so, if you’re thinking of buying or selling your house when the housing market re-opens, please get in touch with us today.
For more information on buying a house, click here. If you’re interested in selling, click here. If you want to contact us about your purchase and sale, click here to use our contact form.
