Agents beef up Covid protocols as viewings hit the spotlight

Agents have been outlining how they have beefed up their measures to combat the risk of Coronavirus, especially during property viewings.

“We are being extra vigilant and cutting back the mixing of our agents even further. When working from home is not possible, we have introduced new protocols meaning no more than two people can be located in any of our high street offices at any one time” explains Tim Hyatt, head of residential at Knight Frank.

“We continue to follow all the government guidelines with a watchful eye on our teams, insisting on the two metre ruling, the use of PPE and being as strict as possible on recommending virtual viewings. We are very much open for our clients, but taking a virtual first approach to ensure all are as safe as possible at this time” he continues.

 “Throughout the pandemic Knight Frank has gone above and beyond the government guidelines, as an industry we have a social responsibility to do our bit. However, this is particularly difficult when Knight Frank’s office network across the UK is currently dealing with unprecedented levels of interest and a record number of properties under offer” Hyatt concludes.

Independent London agent Jeremy Leaf, who runs an agency in the north of the capital, says: “We will be returning to the protocols that we previously adopted and there will be a clear distinction between occupied and unoccupied properties. 

“While the property market remains open for business, the new lockdown will have some impact on surveyors, removals firms etc and in the circumstances, it would be prudent for the Chancellor to reconsider the stamp duty deadline. Those who have moved heaven and earth to meet the deadline should not now be penalised if they miss it through no fault of their own.”

Midlands estate agency Berriman Eaton has also been in action.

"We've reviewed all of our Covid-secure protocols and ensured that our four offices in Tettenhall, Bridgnorth, Wombourne and Kidderminster are as safe as they can be, people can work from home where possible and all viewings are completed with social distancing in place” explains Andy Roberts, the agency managing director.

"Our advisors also carry out pre-vetting calls to clarify the level of interest of the buyer to remove the possibility of people viewing properties just to get out of the house."