I do not want to wait until the pandemic is over before I sell but also do not want to possibly bring the virus into my home. How can I minimise the risk of doing this?
A:Industry protocols for home viewings were published by the Estate Agency Affairs Board in June and include:
* Physical property viewings should be arranged only after a buyer or tenant has expressed definite interest in the property. Viewings should be kept brief.
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* Everyone involved must be advised of the safety protocols ahead of the viewing and must agree in writing to stick to them.
* Prospective buyers or tenants may not travel to the property in the agent’s vehicle – they must meet on site.
* Only two people may view the property at a time, and current occupants need to be out while the viewers are there.
* Everyone on site must wear a mask at all times.
* If there is more than one viewing scheduled on the same day, the agent must ensure that the property is ventilated and that all surfaces are sanitised in between viewings.
*Visitors to the property who refuse to have their temperature checked or sanitise their hands must be refused entry.
* Visitors must confirm in writing that they have not, to their knowledge, been in contact with anyone who has Covid-19 for at least 14 days before the viewing and do not themselves have any symptoms of the virus.
* Viewings may not be conducted if any resident of the property has contracted Covid-19 within the past 14 days or been in contact with anyone else who has tested positive for the virus.
* Agents must as far as possible ensure that no surfaces, handles or objects are touched during the viewing, and must immediately afterwards sanitise any that are.
– Berry Everitt, chief executive of the Chas Everitt International property group