The legal sector in Wales with residential conveyancing practices are breathing a sign of relief as the First Minister for Wales announced the first steps towards reopening the housing market in Wales.
Richard Jones from The Law Society Wales, speaks to Clive Thomas, Managing Partner of South Wales law firm Watkins & Gunn, for his reaction to today’s announcement and how the firm is preparing to support clients. Watch the interview in our video, below.
Update: Welsh Government Guidance released (25 June)
The Welsh Government has today (25 June) released guidance for home moving in Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic:
- Guidance for landlords and agents: click here to access.
- Guidance for individuals: click here to access.
Watkins & Gunn has three offices across South Wales, in Cardiff, Pontypool & Newport. Clive is a member of The Law Society Law Management Section & an Honorary Secretary of Cardiff & District Law Society.
What’s the new guidance from the Welsh Government?
The housing market in Wales has been in a 12-week hiatus in response to the lockdown measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
From Monday 22 June 2020, the housing market in Wales can be restarted as the Welsh Government has allowed house viewings to take place in vacant properties. House moves where a sale has been agreed but not yet completed can also go ahead:
- All house moves can go ahead where the residential property has been unoccupied i.e. vacant for at least 72 hours.
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House moves can take place where a sale has been agreed but not yet completed.
- The marketing and viewing of unoccupied residential property can take place.
House moves cannot take place where the residential property is occupied. However, the Welsh Government has said that agents can now prepare to market these properties subject to a full reopening of the sector.
What will have the greatest impact is that valuations and inspections of occupied residential property are allowed but should be done so safely and in line with the Welsh Government’s guidance on working in someone’s home.
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