Will estate agents go back to work now?

[pontypridd]

I'm asking this because we were hoping to move house soon.

Estate agents can't really work from home can they? They can't show people round houses from home anyway.

I wonder whether they will now be going back.

[longtimecomin]

Following, I want to move soon too

[Patch23042]

They’re in that cohort of “can’t wfh” so I imagine that the answer is yes. Mostly, they drive rather than use public transport for commuting too which is another thing in their favour.

Whether they’ll get much business is another matter.

[Pipandmum]

Not really as you still can't view houses in person or get valuations done. Many are working from home (my agent just got me a tenant who moved in yesterday without ever setting foot in the flat before, but that's an exception). He's in the office three days a week as they manage property but it's really mainly keeping things afloat not much new business.

[LilacTree1]

Would buying, selling, renting be considered essential?

It should.

And now the “stay at home” message is gone. Some people will need to find cheaper accommodation etc.

[LilacTree1]

I’m increasingly wondering if Boris is so woolly because he’s scared the pub,is so much, he can’t work out how to entice them from their hiding place....so perhaps leaves room for interpretation for those who need to get on with stuff? Maybe I’m being too optimistic.

[Discobar]

Many agents have/are setting up virtual tours on both sales and lettings. WFH is easily possible. Don't expect in person viewings until June 1st at best

[IrisPurple]

Just heard back from the agent for the house we are desperate to view. They said their board is reviewing the 50 page guidance document which apparently mentions estate agents, but they doubt they'll be doing face to face viewings soon.
There will e a big queue of people wanting to view properties currently on the market, guess we'll have to see where we sit in that queue...

[LilacTree1]

It looks as if viewings are still virtual?

I cannot believe how much this government wants to trash the economy.

[Friendsofmine]

My local agents have been doing virtual viewings the whole time.

My friend is a surveyor who has ensured vendors sat in the car whilst they did the necessary with gloves on.

I would have thought as long as you secure valuables you could tell the agent to let one person look around your house from now on whilst the agent stays outside?