Although it’s tempting to think that the covid pandemic is all but over, there are still many cases being reported each day and while the proportion of vaccinated people rises each day, there are still instances of repeat infections.
We’ve learned to live with this virus in a surprisingly short period of time and many aspects of our lives have returned to “normal”, but with some caveats. Buying and selling property has resumed, but as this involves entering into someone else’s house and staying there for ten or more minutes, it’s a good idea to observe some protective measures to keep everyone involved safe.
Have a virtual viewing initially
Most estate agents are posting virtual viewings of at least some properties on their websites, so make use of them. These viewings are good enough for you to decide if you want to have a second, in-person viewing and they also cut down on the number of physical interactions you’ll have in your house hunting process.
Arranging an in-person viewing
If you can take a lateral flow test (rapid antigen test) on the day before the viewing or on the day, then do so. If you test positive or someone in your household shows symptoms before the viewing then you should cancel and rearrange.
Only attend the viewing with immediate household members
In order to maintain social distancing, it’s important to keep numbers to a minimum, so only your immediate household should view. If you have to bring young children along, make sure they’re with you at all times and that they use hand sanitiser. Try to prevent them from touching surfaces and picking up objects in the house.
Travelling to the property
If you can, drive, cycle or walk to the property to avoid public transport. If you do have to use a bus or train, arrange the viewing for a time when public transport isn’t busy and make sure you wear a face mask.
Wear a mask and wash your hands during the viewing
All parties should wear a mask for the viewing and everyone should bring hand sanitiser with them. Ideally, viewers and agents should have access to hand-washing facilities and paper towels.
If you’re the seller, offer virtual viewings
Although your estate agent has probably compiled a video tour of your property, you could offer additional live viewings over Zoom or FaceTime.
If you or anyone else in your household fells ill, cancel any in-person viewings
If you test positive or develop symptoms, you must cancel any physical viewings immediately and rearrange them for after the end of your isolation period. You may, if your symptoms aren’t severe, conduct a live virtual viewing on your own, but only if you’re feeling up to it.
Preparing the property for a viewing
You should clean all surfaces with a regular household detergent before the viewing and, if possible, leave all internal doors open so viewers don’t have to touch them. It’s also a good idea to have some windows open to keep fresh air circulating in the property.
Leave the building during the viewing
If your estate agent is conducting the viewing, then you’ll need to leave the property until it’s over to avoid overcrowding the space. You might prefer to wait a while before returning to the property to allow it to air out.
Offer hand gel if you’re conducting the viewing yourself
If you’re conducting the viewings yourself, then you should offer viewers hand gel if they don’t have their own, as well as a face mask. It’s also important to keep numbers to a minimum to maintain social distancing.
Clean up once you return
Once you return to the property, clean all the surfaces again and open windows or doors to circulate fresh air.
