Can I still move house?
Following the recent government relaxation on the restrictions for moving house, it is now possible for all people to move house, rather than just those who are moving into unoccupied properties. You should still make sure that you follow all the advice on social distancing throughout the move. It would be a good idea to speak with your removal firm as soon as possible to check that they are still able to help you – and stay in touch with them, in case their position changes.
If you are wanting to wait until lockdown has been fully lifted then Poole Alcock can continue to carry out all the necessary legal work so that you are in a position to move as soon as the lockdown is lifted.
I’ve exchanged contracts. Am I still able to complete?
You are. The latest guidance states that you can still complete, as long as all parties follow the advice on social distancing during the move.
However, if you or anyone else in the chain is concerned about moving during the lockdown, it may be possible for everyone to agree to vary your contract so that completion takes place once restrictions are relaxed – but every party in the chain would need to agree to this.
If you decide this would be a good option for you, you would also need to consider when your mortgage offer expires, if you are having a mortgage. If you are concerned, speak with your mortgage company. They may be able to extend the offer period.
Are Poole Alcock still able to progress my move during lockdown?
Absolutely. Poole Alcock’s conveyancers are still working as normal, albeit remotely. They will continue to work on your sale or purchase as normal, to get you to the point where you are ready to exchange contracts and complete as soon as the restrictions are relaxed.
What are my options if my mortgage offer expires?
We would suggest speaking to your lender as soon as possible to ascertain what their position is. Some lenders may be able to extend their offer period.
We are ready to exchange contracts – should we?
Normally, we would always recommend exchanging contracts a week or two before actual completion to give you time to plan your move and book removals in the knowledge that all parties are contractually bound to move on the completion date.
However, the impact of Covid-19 brings particular concerns:
- What if any party in the chain develops an infection and needs to self-isolate?
- What if the property you are moving to has been occupied by someone who has developed or displayed symptoms of Covid-19?
- What if the removal firm decides that it will no longer operate through the current restrictions?
A solution could be for all parties in the chain to agree to a ‘simultaneous’ exchange and completion – exchanging contracts on the day of the move. Although this may mean that there is some uncertainty right up to the day of completion, it has the benefit that if you cannot complete for any reason you would not be breaching any contract and so would not suffer any penalties or loss of deposit.
If you are considering moving house during the restriction, call us now or contact us using our online form and we will help you through this difficult time.
