Coronavirus: Guidance for Residential Conveyancing

Following the Government’s Stay at Home rules which came into effect on 23^rd March 2020, The Law Society has published guidance to conveyancers advising clients on house moves.  

The guidance provides helpful information for residential conveyancers and for their clients currently involved in a buying a home. In summary:-

• Home moves into occupied properties should only take place where contracts have already been exchanged and it has proved impossible for the parties involved to agree a deferral.
• Moves into unoccupied properties may continue, subject to the points below.
• The police emergency powers are disapplied only for critical home moves.
• Should all parties have agreed to defer the completion date there should be an exchange of a written agreement to vary the contract.
• Where parties have not yet exchanged contracts, they can still continue with the transaction and should take this time to progress the transaction and read through the reams of documents involved in moving house.   Parties should think very carefully before exchanging contracts, even where completion is a long way off, as the contract will be binding, and both parties would have to complete even if their financial position changes.
• Conveyancer should incorporate a suitable clause in the contract to deal with any ongoing risks caused by the virus.

At Astle Paterson we have kept up to speed with all the ongoing requirements and are well placed to help you in your move.  

If you need advice, please contact us

• Book an appointment or call us on 01283 531366
• Get a Conveyancing Quote with no hidden costs
• Read more about our Conveyancing services
• Contact Astle Paterson on Facebook or Twitter

Or contact our solicitors directly using the form below