COVID-19 And Conveyancing Transactions

• Published date: 06 July 2020
• Subject Matter: Real Estate and Construction, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Conveyancing, Government Measures, Operational Impacts and Strategy
• Law Firm: Rollits LLP
• Author: Mr Gareth Orriss

The Law Society has published an article containing guidance on comments made by a government spokesperson on 25 March that "buyers and renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new house while emergency measures are in place to fight coronavirus".

Currently, there is nothing to prevent conveyancing transactions from proceeding however it is acknowledged that the conveyancing process in the current climate is likely to present many difficulties for buyers and sellers.

Government guidance and public health guidelines will need to be adhered to, which include properties not being occupied with cases of COVID-19, occupants not being in self-isolation etc. Such barriers may make it difficult to proceed with selling or buying a house whilst the current government guidelines are in place. For empty residential properties and commercial properties, such hurdles may be easier to overcome.

The Law Society hopes the government will produce official guidance on these issues in the coming days. Those who wish to...