Housing market 'set back in motion' as Harrogate estate agents allowed back to work

Potential buyers can now visit estate agents, view properties and move house after seven weeks of the market being frozen.

Those involved will be expected to observe social distancing rules and wear protective equipment.

Property professional Paul Baxter, of Dacre Son & Hartley, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the wheels have been set back in motion - and the safety of our customers and team members will continue to come first

"This is a restructured restart of the market. We do not want another spike in the virus.

"There has been much talk about falling prices in the housing market, but in my 38 years in the job I have never seen such high demand for property in Harrogate - it is going to be busy."

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The move to relax lockdown rules will be a welcome relief for thousands of buyers and renters who have been unable to progress their plans to move since March.

House hunters have been encouraged to carry out "virtual viewings" since lockdown was imposed - with housing secretary Robert Jenrick urging potential buyers to continue using the technology.

James Verity, director of Harrogate-based Verity Frearson, said: "It has been a huge relief to be able to service our customers again.

"Over the last few weeks we have not been able to help as much as we'd like. There is nothing worse than that, especially at a time like this."

Staff at the town centre estate agents had volunteered for the NHS and lent out their work cars to deliver supplies during the lockdown.

James said: "Our sales were effectively put on hold for a few months. It meant we couldn't do revaluations and viewings, but we managed to keep busy with virtual viewings and we hope to keep using that technology."

He added: "There has been a lot of speculation about how housing prices will change after lockdown.

"In reality, only time will tell.

"But what we can say is our phones have already been really busy with a demand of people wanting to view houses."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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