The housing market is not on pause, but it is adapting. 28 Mar 2020

As we begin to settle into this strange normality, we start to reflect and adapt to this new way of life that we find ourselves in. Although working life for us has slowed down, we feel humbled that the impact on others is very different, as they work hard to protect and repair our country.

I don’t think that social distancing will ever feel normal, in fact as estate agents it goes completely against the way that we run our business. However, as with many businesses we are learning to adapt our business to help and support others as much as we can. So many around me have been directly affected, jobs lost, workloads increasing/decreasing, children home with the new pressure to entertain and teach as well as worry for loved ones and the vulnerable in our community.

How has the housing market been affected?

As social distancing rules were announced, viewings and valuations were stopped, as were surveys and EPC ‘s.  Banks have tightened their lending criteria, but solicitors are still progressing legal work, although some completions may be delayed.  The government guidelines state that vacant property sales and lets can still go ahead, although you may struggle to find a removal firm.

What we are finding is that clients are keen to continue their purchases and sales, and people are optimistically booking viewings for the end of lockdown.  We have properties ready waiting in the wings to come to market when restrictions lift, they are just on hold for now. What is clearest though is that many people have time to talk, so our advice to you now is that is is a great time to see who you can build a good working relationship with, so that you are confident in your agent choice when you are ready to start moving.

The housing market is not on hold, how we can keep it moving.

Whilst in lockdown the housing market is not on pause as the media would have you believe, chains are still progressing and agents are still here to help and looking to the future.  Infact, only yesterday we agreed a sale.

We are looking at proactive ways to help people.  Working with you, using knowledge of St Albans, resources available online and the option of photos and video we can offer you a virtual property valuation. No matter what your motivation, or intention of moving, we would be very happy to help.

Our business continues as normal, well as normal as normal can be!  We are still on the end of the phone answering questions, keeping things moving, reassuring and checking in on our clients. We are doing the best that we can, at this difficult time.

If you would like to have a chat, find out what we have coming to market, or get a valuation for your property we would love to hear from you.  Our philosophy has always been about helping people with no expectation, and that certainly hasn’t changed.

Stay safe and keep in touch.

Jon Stubbs | Founder/Owner
Heartwood Homes