How the Update to COVID Guidance in Scotland Affects Homemovers

On Saturday 19 December the Scottish Government provided an update to the guidance surrounding COVID-19. As part of this it was announced that the whole of mainland Scotland will be moving into Tier 4 of the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Local Protection Levels from 26 December for a period of three weeks.

How will this change things for the Scottish housing market?

The short answer is that the move to tier 4 will not fundamentally change what activities are and or not permitted with regards to the process of buying and selling a home.

Moving home is considered to be necessary and thus the activities required in order to facilitate this are permitted. This includes professionals such as valuers, surveyors and photographers visiting properties as well as prospective buyers viewing properties in person.

It should be noted that there are a number of safety protocols around how these activities can be carried out however, and you can read more about this here. Importantly, people should only view properties in person if they have already done so virtually and if they are seriously considering buying the property.

Can people come from other parts of the UK come to Scotland to view a property?

Yes. Clarification was sought from the Scottish Government on this point and they confirmed “that travel within Scotland and between Scotland and the rest of the UK, in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible, continues to be permitted.”

When will the Tier 4 restrictions be eased?

The Government has advised that the move to Tier 4 is for an initial three week period and will be reviewed every two weeks.

Where can I get more information?

You can read the Government guidance on moving home in it’s entirety here. Alternatively, do feel free to contact us on 0131 662 4747 or by email at property@warnersllp.com and one of our team will be happy to help.