While we are all following the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures, your search for a new property or a buyer for your home can certainly continue.

At Phillips Solicitors incorporating Brain Chase Coles, we continue to provide efficient conveyancing services to ensure you are getting the best value for your money alongside strategic legal advice for your property transaction.

In terms of activity on the market, leading property website Zoopla has seen a steep rise in website traffic with virtual viewings of newbuilds more than doubling in recent weeks. They have also reported that the number of properties for sale per estate agent is only down 1% since early March as sellers have largely continued to list their homes.

Zoopla CEO Charlie Bryant said: “There is a slight silver lining in the cloud that we are starting to see; people have kept their properties on the market.”

“Having that stock will be really, really important to enable a bounce back once the market reopens.

He added: “I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s a green shoot, but it’s a seed in the ground.”

It is worth remembering that the property market has not been forced to an immediate halt and that the market will recover. Indeed, we may even see more first-time buyers who realise they need their own space after being in lockdown with their family or housemates.

Now could be a good opportunity to invest your time in viewing properties online and for you to consider what is available. If you are looking to put a property on the market now is an ideal time as increased numbers of potential buyers are currently active in searching for a new home.

While putting a property on the market may be more challenging than usual, as there should be no visitors to your home, estate agents can assist you with certain matters remotely and provide you with general advice about the local property market.

The government has not banned property transactions. If a property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with the transaction.

In the case where homes are occupied, we would encourage all parties to do what they can to agree on an alternative date to move.

Here at Phillips our conveyancing lawyers are continuing to work hard to make sure risks are minimalised, contracts are kept to and your transaction is as seamless as possible during this difficult time.

We have taken steps to continue to strive to provide a highly personalised service to you and are able to use various video platforms such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime, so we can get in touch with you and other parties involved in the sale, regardless of location.

Our lawyers can securely access your case files as they work from home to provide you with the best knowledge and expertise to ensure your sale is not delayed.

Therefore, when the coronavirus restrictions are removed your transaction will be close to completion.

To find out more about how we can help you please contact Zoë Baxter or Jon Coles who head our Residential Property team.

Call Zoë on 01256 854623 or email [email protected]

Call Jon on 01256 845852 or email [email protected]

During these difficult times our Town Gate office in Basingstoke is temporarily closed to visitors unless by prior appointment when meeting in person is essential. However, thanks to our lawyers being able to work remotely, Phillips remains fully open for business and can discuss Residential Property issues or any other legal matters by telephone and video conference.