What the Wales firebreak means if you’re in the process of moving
On Friday 23rd October, Wales entered a two-week firebreak period to help curtail the spread of coronavirus.
This means that since 6pm on 23rd October, until the morning of Monday 9th November, much of the Welsh housing market will be temporarily paused once again as Wales seeks to help ease pressure on the NHS.
If you’re in the process of moving home, or due to move home in the next couple of weeks, keep reading to find out what this may mean for you.
Can I still go on property viewings?
To help prevent a further spread of infections, physical property viewings should not be taking place during the firebreak period. This means that you will not be able to enter a property you are looking to either rent or buy, or let anyone into a property you currently live in with the intention of them renting or buying it.
However, you’re still able to do online or virtual viewings if these are available on the properties you’re interested in.
When searching for properties on Rightmove, keep an eye out for our ‘online viewing’ flag to easily see where these are available:
Over the course of this year, many of the estate agents advertising on Rightmove have improved their capabilities to provide online and virtual viewings for home-hunters to help keep you moving. When you contact an agent about a property, they’ll be able to talk you through their capabilities and options.
I’m in the process of moving home – what can I do?
First of all, and we know it’s easier said than done, but try not to panic.
The government has said that any moves that can’t be delayed – to after the two week firebreak period has ended – can still go ahead as planned. This means that if delaying your move would effectively render you homeless or if you’re legally bound to complete during this period then your moves should still be ok to go ahead as planned.
However, if you’re due to move during the firebreak period, make sure you speak to your estate agent and/or conveyancer as soon as you can to get their advice on the matter. They will want to do everything they can to help ensure your move goes ahead with the minimal amount of last minute upheaval.
I’m due to move out of my rental property. Can I still check out?
Unlike the initial lockdown period earlier in the year, the government has advised that the handover of keys, including that of rented properties, can still go ahead as long as guidance is followed on how to work in other people’s homes. This also means that inventories and check-outs should be ok to go ahead as long as they’re doing so in a safe way that follows government guidelines.
If you’re concerned, speak to your agent or landlord so that you can work through the situation together.
Are removals companies allowed in my home?
If you’ve booked a removals company ahead of your move, the good news is that they should still be ok to help you move during the firebreak period. The government has advised that professionals are fine to go into other people’s homes as long as they follow the latest guidelines to ensure the safety of those living in the home, as well as of the workers of that company.
If you’re due to move in the next couple of weeks and have booked a removals firm, we would recommend giving them a call if you have any concerns or questions or to find out how their procedures may change.
Can I still get my mortgage survey done?
If your mortgage survey has been scheduled for some time between Friday 23rd October and Monday 9th November it can still go ahead as planned, however, the government has asked for anyone in this position to consider whether it’s necessary for it to go ahead now or whether it can be delayed a couple of weeks, to after the firebreak period has ended.
As with any instance of a professional entering your home to conduct works, please just remember to follow the latest government guidelines to ensure both parties stay safe at all times.
For more information on the firebreak, please visit the Welsh government website here.
