Can I Still Move House In Lockdown? A Guide For Renters, Sellers And Buyers
Buyers and renters have been left in limbo since the government issued new guidance about moving homes. They were told: don’t do it unless absolutely necessary.
This has resulted in a lot of confusion, with many wondering whether they can still go ahead without being fined for doing so.
Alexa Cobbold, 31, has been in the process of buying a house for several months and was near to exchanging before the lockdown hit. The digital PR account manager, who lives with her partner in Leeds, told HuffPost UK: “We’re not even sure what’s going on anymore as our estate agents are not letting us know what’s happening.”
While she recognises they’re fortunate as they’re still living in a nice flat, she said it’s “frustrating” to be in this state of limbo.
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One of Cobbold’s primary concerns is whether their mortgage offer will last beyond this period – particularly as they didn’t get to the point of exchanging. As it stands, mortgage lenders may be able to let customers who have exchanged contracts extend their mortgage offer for up to three months. But the likelihood is that the rest will have to start over.
Another reader told us the delay was a “gut punch” as they’d been waiting five years to move back north to their hometown but were unable to up until now due to child custody arrangements.
So if you’re in a similar situation – whether you’re renting or buying – what do you need to know?
What is the new guidance?
For buyers and sellers, the new guidance states that where the property being moved into is empty, people can continue because the risk of catching Covid-19 is far lower. However, where the property being moved into is occupied, the government is encouraging people to “amicably agree alternative dates to move”.
Colby Short, founder and CEO of estate agent...
