In the process of buying or selling a home? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, JMP Solicitors have provided a guide on what you need to know.

Homebuyers and sellers feeling stuck in the middle and seeking advice at this uncertain time can look to conveyancing experts to find out more about what the current COVID-19 crisis means for property purchases and sales.

With government guidelines setting restrictions on living in the UK at present, those looking to buy and sell homes may be experiencing confusion as to where they stand in terms of the conveyancing process.

The conveyancing experts at JMP Solicitors have compiled a handy guide of things to know at this time to help give those looking for clarification some peace of mind.

Head of residential conveyancing at JMP Solicitors, Jacqui Harley, said:

“Following the prime minister’s announcement on Monday 23 March, a government spokesperson said on 25 March; ‘home buyers and renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new house while emergency measures are in place to fight coronavirus. If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on social distancing to minimise the spread of the virus’.

“Here at JMP, we aim to provide insight and clarity to all those dealing with the conveyancing process, who are wondering what will happen to properties at this strange and uncertain time. We’ve compiled a list of simple and handy things to know to help settle the minds of homebuyers and sellers, and we are of course on hand at any point to provide advice and to talk through the process with you to help ease any worries at an already stressful time.”

Here are five things you need to know if you are in the process of buying or selling a home:

1.Expect the process to slow down

Whilst waiting for third parties to carry out all the necessary paperwork and checks, there will likely be a delay due to the current COVID-19 crisis, so be patient and expect to be waiting a little longer during this time.

2.Exchange and completion

The process of exchange and completion will still be simultaneous, so it is possible to still go ahead with this. As of yet, there is still nothing to confirm that completions cannot take place.

3.Removal companies

Removal companies will unlikely be operating, and due to the new guidelines, it isn’t advised that people move themselves while emergency measures are in place to fight coronavirus, but if it is unavoidable, they must move themselves and ensure social distancing is adhered to.

4.Preparation is key

It can feel daunting to pursue a move at the current time, but even if you aren’t ready to move right now, conveyancing experts can be working in the background to get everything ready for a future physical move, so it’s always a good time to start planning and paving the way for your future, whilst you have lots of free time on your hands.

5.Communication will not stop

It’s possible to carry on the conveyancing process – we are still working, banks are still working and a lot of client communication and cases can be handled through remote working, either on the phone or through Skype and Zoom to keep the ball rolling and to ensure a professional and seamless service is delivered.

For further advice or to get the ball rolling for future sales and purchases contact [email protected].

Kindly shared by JMP Solicitors