ao link
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In

You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles

Scottish government puts freeze on housing market during coronavirus crisis

The Scottish government has joined the UK government in putting a freeze on the housing market as new guidance urges people to delay moving home.

Linked InTwitterFacebookeCard
Picture: Getty
Picture: Getty
Sharelines

“In light of the risks to health arising from COVID-19, no one should be contemplating a home move involving not only themselves but any other parties in the process,” the Scottish government has said #ukhousing #coronavirus

The Scottish government has joined the UK government in putting a freeze on the housing market #ukhousing #coronavirus

Scottish government puts freeze on housing market during #coronavirus crisis #ukhousing

The government guidance, which applies to people buying or selling private residential homes in Scotland, has urged individuals to “delay moving to a new home while stay-at-home measures are in place”.

It read: “In light of the risks to health arising from COVID-19, no one should be contemplating a home move involving not only themselves but any other parties in the process, eg sellers still in residence, solicitors, surveyors, removal companies or estate agents and their relevant support staff.

“A home move involves many others, over and above the purchaser, who should not be asked to place themselves at risk.”


READ MORE

Government announces end to coronavirus housing market freeze with immediate effectGovernment announces end to coronavirus housing market freeze with immediate effect
Landlords call on Scottish government to compensate them for income lost during pandemicLandlords call on Scottish government to compensate them for income lost during pandemic
Scotland ‘unlikely’ to meet 50,000 homes target due to coronavirus, housing minister confirmsScotland ‘unlikely’ to meet 50,000 homes target due to coronavirus, housing minister confirms
Scottish government extends eviction notice period for private and social tenants under new Coronavirus BillScottish government extends eviction notice period for private and social tenants under new Coronavirus Bill
Scottish government instructs all housebuilding to stopScottish government instructs all housebuilding to stop

In cases where move dates have already been arranged, the government is encouraging all parties to “do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer be in place”.

For individuals whose home is already on the market, the government is advising that only virtual viewings of the property are arranged.

Meanwhile, house builders are being advised that they can continue to take online reservations and work with their customers to line up sales for completion in the future.

It follows a similar move by the UK government, which published advice last week asking people to delay moving home in order to avoid breaking social distancing rules.

The freeze is expected to impact housing associations that build a high volume of homes for private or shared ownership. However, sector bodies told Inside Housing that landlords have contingencies in place to deal with this.

Linked InTwitterFacebookeCard
Add New Comment
You must be logged in to comment.
By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to the use of cookies. Browsing is anonymised until you sign up. Click for more info.
Cookie Settings