Jennifer Smith, Property Associate Solicitor at DBF Law

The news that visiting estates agents, viewing property and proceeding with house sales and purchases are now permitted under the easing of coronavirus lockdown conditions in England is an incredibly welcome development.

From Wednesday 13th May, the following are permitted as long as the government’s social distancing rules are adhered to and no-one involved is suffering from, or showing symptoms of, Covid-19:

  • Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes
  • Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent
  • Preparing a residential property to move in
  • Moving home
  • Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property
  • Surveys can now also take place

A list of advice has also been issued covering how in-person house viewing needs to work:

  • The seller should open all internal doors and allow access to handwashing facilities
  • Sellers are also encouraged to vacate their property during the viewing
  • All parties involved in the viewing should wash their hands and avoid touching surfaces
  • Estate agents should follow social distancing rules whenever possible

It’s been a couple of tough months since the coronavirus thunder bolt hit the property market but my hope is that it will be a shot in the arm and will help to get things (and people) moving after £82bn worth of transactions were put on hold.

Jennifer and her colleagues in the Property team offer legal advice and assistance for a number of property transactions, including conveyancing for buying or selling, letting, ownership changes (including transfer to joint names, shared equity, equity release and transfer of equity) and tenancy agreements.

You can also contact Jennifer via jennifer.smith@dbf-law.co.uk or  call 0161 832 3304.

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Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

“Always able to contact, very approachable, friendly and professional”

Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

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“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
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