Newly Built/Vacant and Unoccupied Properties
I am pleased to note, subject to health and safety priorities, that the government have announced in their recently published advice on home moving during the Covid-19 outbreak that conveyancing firms are able proceed with transactions involving unoccupied properties.
This clarifies existing uncertainty and will assist our New Build and Shared Ownership Conveyancing teams to continue with their work on behalf of clients purchasing new build properties from housing associations and housing developers across the country.
Also, our Commercial and Residential Conveyancing teams will be able to continue to assist with commercial property transactions, auctions, probate, buy-to-let and other matters where an occupier is not in situ.
Occupied Properties
A more cautious approach is to be applied in respect of occupied homes where new dates should preferably be agreed (whether fixed or upon notice) by the parties. Mortgage lenders are encouraged to extend mortgage offers in such cases. However, where the move is unavoidable the parties may proceed subject to distancing safeguards and solicitors are to make provisions for the risk of proceeding with the transaction.
Government Guidance
The government link can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Further Information
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Bill Dhariwal, Managing Director, Lawcomm Solicitors by DDI: 01489 864 117 or E: bill.dhariwal@lawcomm.co.uk
