A statement from the Law Society: Residential property transactions

Following comments by made the minister for the Cabinet Office, Michael Gove yesterday – conveyancing members have asked for clarification on the status of ongoing residential property transactions; the Law Society has issued this statement:

“Michael Gove said yesterday that if transactions have been committed to, they should go ahead. He also said that people should, if at all possible, seek to stay in their current home,” said the president of the Law Society of England and Wales, Simon Davis.

“If you are acting for someone who has exchanged contracts and has a completion date within the next few days, and you, your client and the other side are able to proceed, there is currently no government guidance to prevent you doing so. This is, of course, subject to following current guidelines in respect of public health: properties not being occupied with cases (or suspected cases of) Covid-19, occupants not being in a state of isolation, and all parties abiding to social distancing requirements.

“We are seeking further clarity from government and will monitor closely as the situation develops. We are hoping for official guidance to be published in the next few days.”

Kindly shared by The Law Society