Bromleys Residential Team wish to reassure clients that we are continuing with their transactions. We have the technology in place to work remotely and will progress your transaction as much as possible so when the restrictions are relaxed, we will be able to work towards an exchange of contracts and complete as reasonably practical.
We understand that this is a difficult time for everybody and this situation is unprecedented. It is important to note that whilst there is no face to face contact all matters will be dealt with in the same manner and continue to be progressed.
Please note that in light of the current situation matters will take longer as the restricted movement requirements impact on many parts of a conveyancing transaction but we will keep you updated. All transactions will progress in line with the government guidelines which are highlighted below.
Advice to the public
What does this mean for my transaction whilst the stay-at-home measures to fight coronavirus (COIVD-19) apply?
- Home buyers and renters should, where possible, delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Our advice is that if you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter.
- If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.
- In line with Government’s advice, anyone with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding from the virus, should follow medical advice which will mean not moving house for the time being, if at all possible. All parties should prioritise agreeing amicable arrangements to change move dates for individuals in this group, or where someone in a chain is in this group.
- Those moving into an empty property can still proceed towards a completion.
- All mortgage lenders are working to find ways to enable customers who have exchanged contracts to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months to enable them to move at a later date.
- If your Offer is due to expire within the next three months, please contact your Lender or Financial Adviser who will assist you regarding an extension.
- If you are thinking about selling, you can use this time to start gathering together all of the information you will need to provide to potential purchasers.
- Advice for people to stay at home and away from others means you should not invite unnecessary visitors into your home, including: Property Agents to carry out a market appraisal or take internal photographs prior to marketing your home; and Energy Performance Certificate assessors.
- Removers should honour their existing commitments where it is clear that the move can be done safely for the client and your own staff and it is clear that the moving date cannot be moved.
- Removers should follow the latest Government guidance which currently (26 March 2020) states that work carried out in people’s homes can continue, provided the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms or coronavirus (COVID-19).
- It is important to ensure Government guidelines are followed, including maintaining a 2 metre distance from others, and washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available).
- No work should be carried out by a person who has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, however mild.
Please contact our dedicated Residential Conveyancing Helpline on 0161 694 4161 member of the team if you have any concerns about your transaction or if you require any further information.