About to exchange..

[Bloodylegoeverywhere]

We are ftb buying a new build with help to buy, exchange has been delayed to next week. Anyone else still attempting to move during the lockdown?

Did the Law Society not advise people not to exchange atm?

Sorry that doesn’t make sense, advise not to exchange

Law Society website:-

Following the prime minister’s announcement on Monday 23 March, a government spokesperson said on 25 March: "Home buyers and renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new house while emergency measures are in place to fight coronavirus.

The advice was later clarified to say if properties were empty then the move should continue

You can still move @Bloodylegoeverywhere. Might have to rent a van instead of hire removers - but otherwise should be ok 👍🏻

Completions are happening as we speak (short chains & empty properties / new builds only)

Government advice was that it is fine to move into a vacant house. This was on their website.

Absolutely right @Bloodylegoeverywhere

Yes moves are still happening! the advice is to exchange and complete on the same day which is tiresome and hard work.

But it will be absolutely worth it! Good luck with it all

@Boredinthehouse thank you. Yes we were thinking of using van hire than removals.

@Boredinthehouse love your name. Very bored but healthy so shouldn't complain. Help to buy told me that they don't really exchange and complete on the same day so wonder how that will turn out next week...

If the house is vacant, which as a new build it will be, the government has clarified that it is possible to move, providing social distancing is adhered to. If going ahead, it would be advisable to exchange/complete same day to avoid risking the transaction period in case someone develops COVID19 symptoms. I'd also want ageement that handles, switches etc were disinfected before house is finally locked up before handover and that once you have the keys, you wait a couple of days before moving in, to minimise risk of picking up virus from household surfaces.

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

@MissLemon18 that sounds like a good plan re waiting a couple of days/cleaning. Not sure on when anyone would of last been there as the house has been finished for months etc. Will find out!

I have moved and completed today, though I did exchange pre lockdown. Was in a chain of 4 and I was the first buyer. My house wasn't empty but I was able to move under govt guidelines as new date would have rendered me homeless so all 4 in the chain were able to move. No problems with solicitors or money transfers experienced.

I am just mighty relieved and happy because it means I no longer have to live with my awful exp...

Glad all went well @vintagevixen.

We exchanged and completed, had a week inbetween but all went well.