Corona Update: Agents seeking urgent guidance from government

Propertymark is in touch with the government to see how the new Tier structure being introduced on December 3 will affect agents.

A statement from the organisation overnight said: “Propertymark is in contact with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to understand whether there will be any impact on any aspect of sales or lettings processes.”

Estate Agent Today has also sought clarification from the MHCLG following broad brush government details issued yesterday.

From December 3 across England there will be Medium, High and Very High tiers as before, although with stricter criteria; regions will not find out which tier they are in until Thursday. 

The allocation of tiers will be reviewed every two weeks and will depend on each area's case numbers, the reproduction rate - or R number - and current and projected pressure on NHS facilities .

At first sight the tiers outlined in the government’s Winter COVID Plan would appear to allow agents’ branches to operate as now - with agents able to work inside but with few or no visits in person from the public.

House moves and viewings - conducted in line with government guidelines for social distancing and self-isolating clients - look as if they will also continue as now, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The NAEA Propertymark statement overnight continues: “As the country enters a new stage of restrictions, it is more important than ever that agents follow the COVID-19 guidance and apply this throughout their business. Propertymark has created overlaying best practice guidance to support our members to work safely and effectively.”

You can see the government’s winter plan in full here.

NAEA guidelines for agents in each nation can be found here.