Working through the coronavirus restrictions

Waterfords Opening Hours

Our branches are closed in accordance with government guidelines, but we are still here!

Residential sales are available, 7 days a week, 08.30 - 18.00. Click here for branch contact details.

Lettings are here for you Monday to Saturday, 08.30 - 18.00. Please use 01252 623330, 01276 903006 or email Lettings@waterfords.co.uk.

Property Management are available Monday to Friday, 08.30 - 17.00. Click here for contact details.

Pictured are Associate Director Kier Preece and his son, clearly enjoying working from home!

Working through the coronavirus restrictions

This is a new situation for everybody but with some careful thought and working together we can continue to help you move.

We've detailed below the key points from the latest government guidance to help you, wherever you are in the sales process. This information was last updated on 31st March 2020, so please check the link at the bottom for the most recent government advice.

Key points if you have exchanged but not completed

• Official government advice is that if you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter.
• Where the property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with this transaction although you should continue to follow social distancing measures for home removals.
• If an extension goes beyond the terms of a mortgage agreement then it has been confirmed that, to support customers who have already exchanged contracts for house purchases and set dates for completion, all mortgage lenders are working to find ways to enable customers who have exchanged contracts, to extend their mortgage offer for up to 3 months to enable them to move at a later date.
• If a customer’s circumstances change during this 3 month period or the terms of the house purchase change significantly and continuing with the mortgage would cause house buyers to face financial hardship, lenders will work with customers to help them manage their finances as a matter of urgency.

Key points if you are in a chain

• There is no need to pull out of transactions, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times, including the specific measures for those who are presenting symptoms, self-isolating or shielding.
• Where the property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with this transaction although you should continue to follow social distancing measures for home removals.
• Where the property is currently occupied, all parties are encouraged to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer be in place.
• In the event that a new date is unable to be agreed, there is an exemption for critical home moves.

Key points if you are selling

• If your property is already on the market, you can continue to advertise it as being for sale but you should not allow people in to view your property.

Key points if you want to sell

• There should be no visitors to your home. However you can speak to estate agents over the phone and they will be able to give you general advice about the local property market and handle certain matters remotely. 

What Waterfords can help you do

• With our extensive knowledge of your area, and your assistance via FaceTime, Skype or other suitable tool, we can provide a virtual valuation on your home and, with appropriate images, put your house on the market.
• With your assistance we can provide virtual viewings to interested parties.
• Waterfords can broker offers - we have already received several offers and had offers accepted, based purely on virtual viewings! Although we know that most people won't be keen to commit to a big purchase without seeing it first hand, if you like one of the houses we have on the market then we strongly advise you to get in touch, so you can be first through the door when the restrictions are lifted. 
• Waterfords can get chains completed - dates can also be put in place for exchange and completion, although all parties will need to be flexible in case restrictions change.
• We're here to help, please get in touch with us for any property related queries!

For all the latest government guidance please click here.