Published: 06/01/2021
On Tuesday 5th January amid escalating cases of Covid-19 and fears of the effect of a new fast spreading strain of the virus on the NHS, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced to the nation that we would be entering a further lockdown starting on the 7th January. This new lockdown is set to last approximately a further 6 weeks.How does this affect the housing market?
The housing market is set to remain open during the new lockdown period. This means that people can still move home, removals firms are available, viewings may continue, and maintenance work can continue in people’s homes. This must be done safely of course, and we are sure our industry will set an example for its high standards of safety and professionalism.
How does this affect Dwell?
Like the previous lockdowns, our team are continiung to work hard behind the scenes for our clients. Our office remains open during our usual working hours, but it will be manned with skeleton staff only, whilst the rest of the team work from home where possible. Also like the previous lockdowns, we will not be furloughing any staff so you will be able to reach us when you need to.
We are currently receiving high call volumes so if you can’t get through on our office line straight away, we would advise you to contact us via email. If you don’t have the email address for the team member you wish to contact, please use our branch email instead - info@dwell-leeds.com - and we will respond as soon as possible.
Our office remains open but locked to the public so if you wish to visit, it is by appointment only. Please wear a face covering when you arrive for your pre-arranged visit.
Valuations
We are continuing to value properties for sale and for rent. This can be done virtually either via a video call, or socially distanced in person. Contact us to value your property now.
Viewings
We are carrying out physical viewings, although as in the previous lockdown periods we are placing an emphasis on online/virtual viewings in the first instance. Once you have confirmed you have viewed all of the available marketing and we have run through a verbal qualification with you, will we be able book you in for a physical viewing.
Please be aware that many people are currently working from home or home schooling, therefore it may not always be possible to gain access. Where we are able to arrange a viewing with the occupier, we would ask that viewers be as respectful and as Covid safe as possible whilst in the property.
When you arrive for a physical viewing, you must utilise PPE. Please arrive wearing a face covering. We advise you not to touch anything but it is best practice to wear gloves in case you do touch anything (we also advise the use of hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes). You must also observe social distancing guidelines at all times. Our staff will of course do the same.
Move ins
Our move in process is paperless and referencing is carried out online. On your move in day, all you will be required to do is show your ID in person when you collect your keys from our office. A key collection date and time will be arranged once referencing is complete as is normal.
Buyers will be invited to collect keys from our office upon completion of their purchase.
Maintenance
Maintenance will be carried out as normal. If you are a tenant of ours and wish to report a maintenance issue you should continue to do so using our specialist repairs website.Mid-term inspections These will continue as normal. Please note are currently running behind with mid term inspections for our HMO’s due to the potential increased risk in transmission, and we will be bringing these up to date as soon as it possible.
Mid-term inspections
These will continue as normal. Due to the potential increased risk of transmission in HMO's, and these appointments being of a less essential nature, we will be working on bringing these visits up to date as soon as possible. If you would like to request a mid term visit for any reason, we would invite you to do so.
Check outs and deposit returns
These will continue as normal. Your Property Manager will inspect your property usually within 48 hours of the end of your tenancy and will make a report available shortly after. Deposit return times are unaffected.
Existing tenants
If you are self-isolating, you have symptoms, you are in the vulnerable category, or if you have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 14 days, you must inform our office in writing as soon as possible. We will not send a member of staff or third party contractor to your property until it is safe to do so.
Stay safe,
The team at Dwell Estate & Letting Agents