The Law Society has published an article
containing guidance on comments made by a government spokesperson
on 25 March that "buyers and renters should, as far as
possible, delay moving to a new house while emergency measures are
in place to fight coronavirus".
Currently, there is nothing to prevent conveyancing transactions
from proceeding however it is acknowledged that the conveyancing
process in the current climate is likely to present many
difficulties for buyers and sellers.
Government guidance and public health guidelines will need to be
adhered to, which include properties not being occupied with cases
of COVID-19, occupants not being in self-isolation etc. Such
barriers may make it difficult to proceed with selling or buying a
house whilst the current government guidelines are in place. For
empty residential properties and commercial properties, such
hurdles may be easier to overcome.
