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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Please submit your information and a member of the Poole Alcock team will respond to you as soon as possible. If you have a quick question, please feel free to call 0800 389 7093
Poole Alcock LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Registered in England and Wales at: 2nd Floor, 34-36 High Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5AS. Telephone: 01270 625478. LLP registration number 0C310420 Poole Alcock LLP has offices in Alsager (SRA No: 408249), Congleton (SRA No: 408248), Crewe - Nantwich Road (SRA No. 639144.), Nantwich - The Dowery (SRA No: 408250), Nantwich - High Street (SRA No: 408247), Sandbach (SRA No: 408252) and Wilmslow (SRA No: 654460). The firm's VAT number is 278 8524 07. A list of members is available for inspection at any of our offices. We use the word "partner" to refer to a member of the LLP. All solicitors are subject to rules and principles of professional conduct. The SRA Standards and Regulation including our code of conduct can be found at SRA | SRA Standards and Regulations | Solicitors Regulation Authority
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