Covid-19: New Lockdown Measures

The latest government guidelines, published on the 4^th January 2021, confirm that estate agents can continue to work, and in-person viewings and appraisals are allowed to continue, as long as national guidance is followed. More details on this can be found here.

The Modern House will continue to offer in-person appointments, following the precautions outlined below, for as long as we feel it is safe to do so. Online appraisals and viewings will also be offered wherever possible.

Our offices will remain closed, with all staff working remotely, and our team will not be using public transport to or from viewing or appraisal appointments.

Viewing Guidelines

– All viewings should be staggered, meaning there should be no overlap between appointments. No viewing days will take place. 

– Only two adults should be in attendance per viewing, including the representative from The Modern House or the homeowner if they are carrying out the viewing. Where absolutely necessary, a maximum of three people can attend, including the Viewing Assistant or homeowner, and two other adults from the same household or support bubble. 

– If the homeowner is not doing the viewing, they (and any other members of the household) will be required to leave the home for the duration of the viewing. They may stay in the garden during the viewing, providing they can maintain a two metre distance from viewers and staff. If the homeowner is doing the viewing, they may remain in the home but any other members of the household must vacate for the viewing period (again, they can stay in the garden of the property if this complies with social distancing guidelines.) 

– A two metre distance needs to be maintained by all parties throughout all viewings. 

– To prepare for viewings, homeowners will need to leave all internal doors open to minimise the need for viewers to touch handles. 

– Homeowners must thoroughly disinfect their home, particularly door handles and surfaces, prior to the viewing and after the viewing has taken place. 

– Windows should be opened wherever possible for the duration of the appointment, to ensure spaces are well ventilated.

– Homeowners and viewers are required to wear a face covering during the viewing (provided by themselves). Representatives from The Modern House will wear masks and gloves. 

– Speculative viewings will not be offered in person (virtual alternatives will be offered where possible). All viewers will need to confirm they are proceedable in order to book an appointment. 

– Ideally, all viewings will be kept to a maximum of 15 minutes, or as short as possible, depending on the size of the property. Should a longer conversation be required with a representative from The Modern House, this should take place outside of the property. 

– Viewers will not be permitted to use the bathrooms in any homes visited. 

– Wherever possible, viewers should not travel to a property via public transport. 

– Homeowners and viewers will be required to report any symptoms to The Modern House prior to the viewing. 

Appraisals Guidelines

– Only two adults should be in attendance per appraisal, including the representative from The Modern House. Where absolutely necessary, a maximum of three people can attend, including the Appraiser, and two other adults from the same household or support bubble. A two metre distance needs to be maintained by all parties throughout all appraisals. 

– To prepare for appraisals, homeowners will need to leave all internal doors open to minimise the need for the Appraiser to touch handles. 

– Homeowners must thoroughly disinfect their home, particularly door handles and surfaces, prior to the appraisal and after the appraisal has taken place. 

– Windows should be opened wherever possible for the duration of the appointment, to ensure spaces are well ventilated.

– Homeowners are required to wear a face covering during their appraisal (provided by themselves). Appraisers will wear masks and gloves during the meeting. 

– Homeowners will be required to report any symptoms to The Modern House prior to the appraisal. 

If you have any questions about the guidelines, or would like to discuss anything in more detail, please email your Sales Advisor or Appraiser directly, or call 020 3795 5920.