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Original poster

Lockdown and moving house - is it actually possible?

321 replies

LeaveTheBottle · 23/03/2020 14:16

Hi,

Quick bit of background - we are in a medium chain. All surveys and valuations done. Mortgages in, searches and enquires mostly done so waiting for the final loose ends to be tied up and then should have agreed exchange and completion dates in the next couple of weeks I would think.

Apparently everyone in the chain is keen to get things moving full steam ahead (as it stands) and nobody has yet expressed cold feet, but I am still very anxious.

If we do go into lockdown before we have a completion date set up, can we actually physically move? I hear in some countries who are in lockdown, moving house is permitted, with the necessary precautions I assume. I can't imagine removals companies being open for business though, but then maybe there is a way this could be done if we all kept our distance??... Confused Can't see how we could do it without them.

Is there anyone in the know about this? I can't stand to think we'll be stuck here indefinitely. It's taken us a couple of years to get to this point and it's been hell. It really has been a nightmare.

TIA

OP posts:
Elcampello7 · 26/03/2020 17:05

my last post.....I feel devistated for all in limbo , it will pass but if there is anything to learn from this is ignore your solicitor EXCHANGE asap and complete later love to all xxx

StubbleTurnips · 26/03/2020 19:18

We’ve heard nothing today, the removal men came and packed everything up. So it’s us, the kids, the kettle and a bed.
Completion due tomorrow but lord only knows. I’m not going to believe it’s happened until the keys are in my hand!!

StubbleTurnips · 26/03/2020 19:18

Thoughts to all in limbo. It absolutely sucks.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Property
Rightonthewire · 26/03/2020 19:40

My son’s solicitor has confirmed that the funds have come through for tomorrow and removal men have said they will be there for 7.30. Agents ready for socially distanced key handover. Nothing more can be done now. We’ll just be relieved when it has actually happened. My thoughts are with all those who haven’t exchanged yet - that is a horrible position to be in.

Conrad79 · 26/03/2020 20:24

Our buyer is back on board!!

And then I read this on the BBC “ Several new activities which are permitted have been added to a list outlined by the PM, including moving house, fulfilling legal obligations and to escape injury, illness or the risk of harm“

Grin
mrs2468 · 26/03/2020 21:26

Thanks for posting the update. Still no further forward in Scotland will see what tomorrow brings from registers of Scotland. My property I’m buying is unoccupied and my buyer is a Key worker who needs somewhere to live so I’m hoping we will be allowed. However still need to be able to physically move so who knows.

flossyflorenceflounces · 26/03/2020 21:31

We have got an open house coming up..or rather we had - it's the common way for houses to be sold round this way but of course it's had to be cancelled. We now need to decide whether to call off the auction or accept a lower price for the house.

Original poster
LeaveTheBottle · 26/03/2020 21:34

@Conrad79, fantastic! 🥳

I'm assuming the PM is still talking about house moves that have already exchanged?...

OP posts:
Rightonthewire · 27/03/2020 07:09

Updated guidance now on the Conveyancers website CLC:

www.clc-uk.org/lawyers/coronavirus/

Rightonthewire · 27/03/2020 07:16

Formal Government advice on moving home now also on the GOV site:

www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Conrad79 · 27/03/2020 07:48

Brilliant just read that! Looks ideal

Rightonthewire · 27/03/2020 08:05

Conrad79 - yes I agree. My son's removers have just arrived - his wife is having to take the children out for their daily permitted exercise while they load the van to ensure social distancing. He's moving into an empty house so that helps as well. Still feel sorry for those who are yet to get to exchange.

Original poster
LeaveTheBottle · 27/03/2020 09:31

Just seen on the news that the latest info regarding moving is, even if you've exchanged contracts, you should be delaying completion until after the lockdown 😔

OP posts:
Rightonthewire · 27/03/2020 10:02

What it actually says is:

If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.

Shterber · 27/03/2020 10:03

That's true, unless you're unable to delay, in which case using precaution, you can go ahead.

Conrad79 · 27/03/2020 10:18

It also says: Where the property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with this transaction

Our new house is vacant & the buyer is no longer moving in immediately. All Solicitors involved said this is fine

I think I’ll always be confused over this Blush and just go with the flow.

If it pauses it pauses

Rightonthewire · 27/03/2020 15:20

I'm very relieved to say that my son and family moved into his new home today. Everything went smoothly and according to the guidelines.

My sympathy and thoughts are now with those who are uncertain what the future holds for their future moves.

StubbleTurnips · 27/03/2020 21:38

We moved today! All in after weeks of stress with corona.

Rlw2020 · 27/03/2020 23:10

We finally exchanged and completed today. All in eventually 😊

Summerbsmummy2010 · 28/03/2020 08:16

Hello.
Well I’ve been totally stressed this last few weeks but managed to complete on 27th March so I finally have my keys. I was terrified it would all fall through at the last minute as my solicitor had said we don’t know what will happen. But everybody is working remotely including the banks so it went ahead as planned.
I just have to figure out how to move now!

Bezzi · 28/03/2020 08:28

Is anyone else due to exchange and complete next Fri 3rd April?

So far ours is going ahead. Short chain, first time buyers buying ours and we're moving into a vacant property.

Our solicitors have asked us to send an email to confirm we're moving against their advice. Anyone else?

Elcampello7 · 28/03/2020 08:44

Bezzi ...government says you can move into a vacant property as long as you can get removals

Elcampello7 · 28/03/2020 08:45

Bezzi ....we moved yesterday our solicitor never asked for emails saying against their advice

0htooooodles · 28/03/2020 08:49

Our buyer is looking likely to pull out, as the couple at the top of the chain (in their 60s) are refusing to exchange and complete until everything is over with - which could be god knows when!! Everyone else in the chain wants to move asap, but it's looking likely to collapse due to them being unreasonable and not trying to work out a way around.

I'm so angry and frustrated.

Bezzi · 28/03/2020 08:54

That's so frustrating @0htooooodles I really feel for you.

Thanks @Elcampello7 I think the solicitor is just trying to cover themselves, they were reluctant to carry on but everyone in the chain wants to move and no one is relying on removals.

Next Friday can't cone soon enough!!