We are delighted, but somewhat surprised, at the sudden announcement from the Government last night that the Housing market can resume again.

The announcement indicated that viewings and valuations can return if social distancing is observed.

The health and safety of our staff, clients and partners is our main concern during this period. We are currently reviewing all guidelines and announcements and preparing our own policies and procedures in order to serve you in the best way we can.

We will be monitoring all new Government guidelines and announcements to determine our procedures over the next few days, with an aim to reinstate viewings, valuations and property inspections, if we can do so safely.

Our branch will remain closed to the public and we will continue to work from home where possible. We feel this is the safest process for our staff and clients at present. Should our clients need to meet us, we will make arrangements on an individual basis and adhering to strict social distancing guidelines.

We are looking to implement new policies for our home visits, which will include the following:

• Carry out a Risk Assessment for each occasion/property to include our COVID-19 Questionnaire for Viewers/Clients and a property review.
• Ensure all involved have the correct PPE in place
• Maximum of 2 people to view at any one time
• Adhere to strict 2m social distancing guidelines at all times
• ‘Doors Open’ policy in place – Occupiers must open all doors and turn on all lighting, prior to the Viewing/Valuation.
• ‘Non Contact’ policy in place – Viewers are not to have contact with the property surfaces including doors, switches, taps etc
• Occupiers to be absent from the property during the Viewing/Valuation
• Gracechurch representative to clean any necessary surfaces with appropriate wipes post Viewing/Valuation

Although we cannot wait to be out in our local area, visit our clients and show you around our fantastic properties, we need to operate with caution and ensure we are applying responsibility when moving forward and with all decisions we take. 

Our Virtual Tours and Online Valuation services are still all up and running for those clients who require us now. Our phones lines remain diverted to our staff should you need to contact us if you have any queries at all. 

Stay safe and well and keep in touch.

Thomas Neil - Director