Anyone in England can now move home if they follow new guidance published by Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.
Since lockdown restrictions were implemented in March, more than 450,000 people have been unable to progress their plans to move house.
All buyers and renters will now be able to complete purchases and view properties in person, while estate agents, conveyancers and removals firms can return to work while following social distancing guidelines.
Mr Jenrick says: “I am announcing new guidelines to allow the housing market to resume.
“Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals.
“Our step-by-step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved.
“This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”
Guidance from Public Health England must continue to be followed.
For example, anyone advised to self-isolate should continue to do so and not move home.
Government guidance makes clear that tradespeople including fitters can operate in homes, provided they do so in line with health guidance.
