Latest Updates
Covid-19: Latest Updates

This page brings you a round-up of the latest updates and most pertinent articles in relation to the residential sector.


LATEST UPDATES FEED

Resurgent UK housing market at decade high | The Times
17 August 2020
Property sales reach £37bn in frantic July


Housing market has businest month in more than 10 years | The Guardian
17 August 2020
The pandemic has 'rewritten the rulebook' says Rightmove


The Health Protection | legislation.gov.uk
July 2020
Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 | GOV.CO.UK
View more




Should we ban leasehold property? | The Financial Times
23 July 2020
Reforms are sorely needed, but will take years and have huge consequences.


Chancellor's Summer Statement 2020 | LonRes, written by Boodle Hatfield
9 July 2020
Today Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his plan for the second phase of the UK's economic response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Part of this plan involves a very welcome, temporary cut to stamp duty land tax ("SDLT") on residential property purchases.
View more (you must be logged into LonRes)


Is UK property sold on misplaced optimism? | The Financial Times
25 June 2020
The release of 'pent-up demand' is remarkable.


Insurers vs small businesses: a high-stakes battle over lockdowns | The Financial Times
21 June 2020
UK court case will be scrutinised as companies try to claim on interruption policies.


House prices 2020: How has coronavirus affected house prices in my area? | The Times
19 June 2020
Find out what the housing market is like in your postcode and which regions are faring better than others.


Private rents in England hit record high during coronavirus lockdown | The Guardian
17 June 2020
Median rent was highest in London - at £1,425 a month - according to ONS data.


Bargain hunt before reality hits home in the autumn | The Times
13 June 2020
The housing market is set to bounce back after the lockdown haitus - at least, until the furlough scheme ends.


House prices and the city vs country quandary | The Financial Times
12 June 2020
Buyers seek an escape to a rural idyll.


Coronavirus: Housing market rebounds as sales increase by 137% | The Times
10 June 2020
The property market has bounced back from a freeze over the coronavirus peak thanks to a build-up in demand and homeowners realising the shortcomings of their properties while cooped up during lockdown.


Buyers push for discounts in distressed property markets | The Financial Times
5 June 2020
With recession on the horizon and a big drop in transactions, buyers sense an opportunity.


UK housing market nervously reopens for business | The Financial Times
5 June 2020
Property sector fortunes matter because it is best gauge of consumer confidence in UK.

Beyond COVID-19: Reopening Guides | RICS
June 2020
RICS guidelines on reopening, valuations, inspections and GDPR.


The Market After COVID - Scottish Housing Forecasts Spring/Summer | RETTIE
June 2020
A comparison with other recessions, the same but different.


UK savings rise prompts hope of spending rebound after lockdown | The Financial Times
2 June 2020
Stronger household balance sheets means consumers are in a good position as restrictions lift.


Is now the right time to move to the country? | The Financial Times
29 May 2020
Life in packed, polluted and pandemic-ridden cities has pushed many to dream of the rural life.


How do virtual property viewings work? Our guide for buyers and sellers | The Times
24 May 2020
You can use smartphone apps to make a video tour of your home.


Working safely during COVID-19 in offices and contact centres | GOV.UK
May 2020
Full PDF version of the guidance.


Poster: Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 | GOV.UK
May 2020
Poster to display in your workplace to show you have followed the guidance.


How to navigate the post-lockdown property market | The Financial Times
20 May 2020
The property market in England is open again again after six and a half weeks in suspended animation. But anyone hoping for it to bounce back to life is going to have to wait.


Coronavirus Outbreak: Guidance for Sales and Lettings Agents (May2020) | NAEA Propertymark
18 May 2020
This information is guidance for best practice. It has been developed to inform the introduction of new ways of working, to adhere to safety measures but allow agents to continue to provide a professional service to prospective clients.


UK housing market set to return - but not with a bang | The Financial Times
16 May 2020
Sellers told to keep doors open, wait in the garden and keep pets at bay.


Checklist for operating | NAEA Propertymark
15 May 2020
Agents need to stay up to date and respond to the latest advice from Government, Public Health England, and the Chief Medical Officer, but wherever possible continue to offer services, play a role in your community and provide support that your clients need.


London's Canary Wharf prepares for return of workers | The FinancialTimes
15 May 2020
Canary Wharf has drawn up detailed plans to bring bankers, accountants and lawyers back to the financial district as the coronavirus pandemic eases, from introducing one-way routes to daily deep cleaning, limiting lift capacity and removing soft furnishings.


Homebuyers rush to estate agents as the market opens | The Times
14 May 2020
Estate agents reported a surge in inquiries and their share prices jumped yesterday after the government ended the freeze on the housing market earlier than expected.


Housing Secretary sets out plan to restart housing market | GOV.UK
13 May 2020
From today (13 May) anyone in England can move home if they follow new guidance published by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.


Manhattan Faces A Reckoning if Working From Home Becomes the Norm | The New York Times
13 May 2020
Even after the crisis eases, companies may let workers stay home. That would affect an entire ecosystem, from transit to restaurants to shops. Not to mention the tax base.


Housing market in England to reopen for 'socially distanced' property viewings | The Guardian
13 May 2020
Estate agents back to work on Wednesday as new laws permit key house-hunting activities.


Housing market in England to reopen for 'socially distanced' property viewings | The Guardian
13 May 2020
Estate agents back to work on Wednesday as new laws permit key house-hunting activities.


Housing market kick-started as lockdown is eased | The Times
13 May 2020
Buyers given go-ahead to visit properties amid social distancing confusion.


Announcement | British Association of Removers (BAR)
12 May 2020
A statement reflecting the position of the Board of Directors of the BAR following the latest message from government.


Post-pandemic plan: preparing your office | NAEA Propertymark
May 2020
Here NAEA Propertymark look at what steps should be taken to prepare your office for a return to work, in light of recent Government announcements.

Property market set to reopen as lockdown rules eased for home buyers and sellers | The Telegraph
12 May 2020
All activities required to facilitate the sale of rental of a home will be able to resume.


The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2020 | Public Health England, GOV.UK
12 May 2020
Made 12 May 2020; Laid before Parliament at 9.30am on 13 May 2020; Coming into force 13 May 2020


Britain's housing market set for comeback | The Financial Times
12 May 2020
Buyers and renters will once more be able to view properties and move home under new rules easing lockdown.


European Equity Strategy Chart Pack | Barclays
May 2020
Equities gave back some of their impressive April gains lately, but are still up c20% from the March lows. Too good to be true?


UK Spend Trends 2.0 at a Glance | Barclays
12 May 2020
Barclays UK Spend Trends 2.0 (ST2) is a set of signals designed to provide an in-depth view into consumer spending in the UK across more than 250 industries, as well as customer age-groups and online/in-store groupings.


Sunak to extend UK furlough scheme until end of October | The Financial Times
12 May 2020
Chancellor will ask employers to contribute to huge job-retention programme.


UK housebuilders warn of supply clog unless sales are allowed to resume | The Financial Times
11 May 2020
Industry seeks reassurance from government that new homes will be able to be sold.


Why the path to reopening New York City will be so difficult | The New York Times
10 May 2020
The factors that made the city one of the hardest hit on the planet - its density, mass transit and tourism - complicate a return to normalcy.


A ray of light in global property | The Financial Times
8 May 2020
How markets are beginning to stir from their coronavirus-induced slumber.


Government delays overhaul of business rates | The Financial Times
6 May 2020
Move means hard-hit industries face another year of high bills.


Johnson faces big hurdles in coaxing UK back to work | The Financial Times
4 May 2020
Practical, legal and economic impediments stand in way of kick-starting economy.


Draft rules laid out for UK workplaces to ease lockdown | The Financial Times
3 May 2020
Staggering of shifts, curtailment of hot desking and lifts kept half-empty among proposed new coronavirus guidelines.


Lockdown lands couples with extra stamp duty hit | The Times
3 May 2020
Couples who have moved in together without having sold a previous home are at risk of an unexpected tax hit due to the coronavirus lockdown.


The losers, and a few winners, from a crash in house prices | The Times
2 May 2020
We are better placed to weather a property slump than after the credit crunch but it could still be dire.


What it's like living in a country with negative interest rates | The Times
1 May 2020
With the base rate at a record low and likely to fall below zero, we look at those countries where minus numbers are normal.


What will happen to house prices after the coronavirus lockdown is lifted? | The Times
1 May 2020
Prices are predicted to fall, but there may be a lack of homes for sale as older people are unable to downsize.


COVID-19 business continuity guide | Shoosmiths
29 April 2020
This downloadable guide is designed to summarise the practical measures taken by the government and other bodies to enable businesses to continue trading during the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Chinese buyers consider return to international property markets | The Financial Times
28 April 2020
Global property portals report big increases in Chinese inquiries.


Lockdown brings £82bn of UK house sales to shuddering halt | The Times
28 April 2020
Home sales worth £82 billion have stalled in Britain, according to an online property portal.


Coronavirus in Scotland: landlords call time on short-term tenancies | The Times
28 April 2020
Landlords are putting their flats up for sale as the lockdown enters a second month with no end in sight.


Revealed - Chinese interest in UK property soars despite Covid-19 | Property Investor Today
24 April 2020
A Chinese-led house buying boom is on the way in the UK, according to the CEO of Emerging Communications, a Chinese marketing consultancy.


Post-pandemic planning: socially distanced viewings | NAEA Propertymark
24 April 2020
Even when the lockdown is lifted, it is unlikely that life will immediately return to the way it was previously. Agents will be wondering what they can do to provide viewings to service vendors and kick start their business.


Rent freeze: What happens when it thaws? | RICS
24 April 2020
The UK government is currently seeking to balance the pressure on their own financial bottom line while aiming to ease uncertainty on the public's finances. To do this they have introduced a series of measures regarding both business and personal hardship. One such announcement was around residential lettings, giving tenants security from eviction and the opportunity, where needed and agreed, to defer rent payments.


Will coronavirus affect house prices? | The Times
23 April 2020
The crisis could lead to a fall of more than a fifth, according to predictions.


A bluffer's guide to the EU's coronavirus response | The Financial Times
23 April 2020
The pandemic has spawned a soup of new EU acronyms and jargon. The Brussels Briefing is here to help.


Home improvers hit by remortgage problems | The Financial Times
23 April 2020
Dig downs and loft extensions may increase the value of a home, but it's hard to borrow against this.


Find coronavirus financial support for your business | GOV.UK
Coronavirus (COVID-19) support is available to employers and the self-employed. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants. Use this business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business.


How coronavirus is threatening the UK's second-home market | The Financial Times
22 April 2020
From the Cotswolds to Cornwall, second-home owners are receiving a chilly welcome.


Proptech is ready for its 'Amazon-shift' moment | Estates Gazette
21 April 2020

After 20 long years, investment in proptech is set to accelerate as the industry matures, says Mike Scott, head of real estate and partner at Cripps Pemberton Greenish. 

[extract] ...'Back in 2000, a few months before Rightmove was born, LonRes was launched as a platform for sharing off-market information. Twenty years later, the LonRes site has 6,000 estate agency users and is an essential resource for many. Arguably, it was the first proptech platform to be born, and the first of many to see the exciting opportunities that new technology could bring to the property industry.'...


HMRC tells agent to maintain due diligence checks during social distancing | NAEA Propertymark
21 April 2020
HMRC has written to agents, outlining the continuing - and in some cases increased - risks of money laundering and terrorist financing, as criminals may attempt to use the financial turmoil caused by COVID-19 to their advantage.


More than 1m salaries covered as UK steps up business rescue | The Financial Times
20 April 2020
HMRC computer system withstands more than 140,000 companies applying to scheme.


Coronavirus threatens to halve London housebuilding | The Financial Times
20 April 2020
Private sector may only complete 1000 new homes in London this year.


Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme up and running | GOV.UK
20 April 2020
The Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live today, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.


Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS): A step by step guide for employers | GOV.UK
20 April 2020
Claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).


Rightmove survey in cold storage amid property sales freeze | The Times
20 April 2020
The leading online property portal has called for more support for the housing market and effectively has abandoned its monthly survey of prices.


Managing corporation tax payments during the COVID-19 crisis | Mishcon de Reya
16 April 2020
Aside from the various measures HMRC has introduced in relation to deferral of tax payments including the VAT deferral and the Time To Pay schemes, companies may be able to adopt other tax payment planning measures.


Talking to your clients has never been so important | NAEA Propertymark
16 April 2020
Communication with your clients is key during these uncertain times, whether that be delivering flowers, boosting the morale in your community or even just keeping in touch and asking them on a personal level how things are for them.


The impact of COVID-19 on lease and contract reviews | Charles Russell Speechlys
16 April 2020
We have been working closely with landlord and business owners to help them interpret The Coronavirus Act 2020.


Furlough scheme cut-off date extended to 19 March | GOV.UK
15 April 2020
Thousands more employees will be able to receive support through the Coronoavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) after the eligibility date was extended to 19 March 2020, the government announced today.


Updated: Valuation practice alert - COVID-19 | RICS
15 April 2020
Update includes: Commentary that the material uncertainty clause is a disclosure not a disclaimer is withdrawn; Information about reliance on information from third parties; Information about market value and worth.


Best practice for registered valuers | RICS
No date
By implementing some simple processes, members and firms can ensure that they follow best practice procedures as part of their registered valuer status.


CGT payment window on sale of UK residential property: COVID-19 Update | Boodle Hatfield
15 April 2020
From 6 April, there is a new deadline for paying capital gains tax following the disposal of UK residential property which does not quality for main residence relief.


How Covid clauses can keep residential property transactions moving | Boodle Hatfield
15 April 2020
Although government measures mean that we are all currently in lockdown, and buyers and sellers of residential property may not want to contract and commit to a completion date, new 'Covid clauses' allow parties to exchange contracts with the comfort of knowing there will be no penalty if completion is delayed due to a coronavirus-related event.


Live Q&A: What is the outlook for the UK housing market? | Financial Times
15 April 2020
Share your experiences of trying to buy or sell a house under current market conditions. FT Money deputy editor James Pickford will be online on Wed April 15 between 12 and 1pm and 5 and 6pm UK time to answer your questions about the UK property market.


Plan to extend Help to Buy to kick-start housebuilding | The Times
15 April 2020
The government is in talks with housebuilders about extending the Help to Buy scheme as part of a range of measures to get the industry building again after the lockdown is eased.


Buy-to-let investors prepare to swoop on housing market downturn | The Telegraph
11 April 2020
If house prices fall, investors can pick up properties with higher yields. Especially as rents are unlikely to fall as much as sales values.


Property sales go virtual to work around Covid-19 | Financial Times
10 April 2020
Viewings are impossible under lockdown but 3D tours, drones and phones are helping.


Leading and adapting in challenging times: running a great virtual meeting | Shoosmiths
9 April 2020
Now the norm in everyone's working life, how can you run great virtual meetings for both leaders and participants?


Why a stamp duty holiday won't rescue the property market | The Telegraph
9 April 2020
Property transactions are set to slump by 70pc in the coming quarter, but opinion is divided over the impact of a stamp duty holiday.


Bill Gates makes more coronavirus predictions, good and bad news | South China Morning Post
9 April 2020
Bill Gates, now known best for warning the world five years ago about a coming pandemic, delivered more predictions on Wednesday about Covid-19, some bound to disappoint and others optimistic.


Virtual pub quiz: How to run one that’s actually good | BBC.CO.UK
9 April 2020
"We used Zoom for meetings anyway. So now I've got the flipchart out and we're doing Trivial Pursuit on it as well."


Guidance for HMRC-supervised businesses during the Coronavirus restrictions | HM Revenue & Customs
8 April 2020 (email)
Dear customer, We recognise the significant challenges you face at this time as a business as a result of COVID-19. The risks of money laundering and terrorist financing continue, with criminals using the current financial difficulties to their advantage.


Zoom in on your lockdown meeting techniques | Free to read, Financial Times
8 April 2020
It is hard to project authority online - but pretending you are on TV will help.


Coronavirus Act: Emergency Volunteering Leave (EVL) | BDB Pitmans
8 April 2020
The Coronavirus Act 2020 (the Act) introduces a new statutory right for employees to take emergency volunteering leave to help support emergency health and social care services.


A London agency has generated 250 offers and agreed 88 sales since the lockdown began | PrimeResi
8 April 2020
The market is ‘quieter than normal..but far from dead’, according to 33-branch Chestertons…


The Coronavirus Act 2020 – A summary for businesses | Shoosmiths
8 April 2020
This article provides a summary of the principal provisions of the Coronavirus Act relevant to business. The Coronavirus Act details some of the emergency powers and measures taken by the government to address the crisis.


Furlough pay - some agents’ commission can be included, Estate Agent Today
7 April 2020
The government has amended the eligibility criteria and will allow some agents' commission payments to be included in claims for Furloughed Pay.
View more


AC/BC – How Covid Rocked the Market: Scottish Housing Market | Rettie & Co
Spring 2020
As we move into Spring 2020, analysis by Rettie & Co’s research team has highlighted the significant impacts to the Scottish housing market of the Covid-19 pandemic.


Deal sealed on £7m townhouse in Little Venice I PrimeResi
7 April 2020
‘There is an appetite from purchasers looking for value in these extremely difficult times’, reports agency


From A Distance: The reality of remote buying  |  PrimeResi
7 April 2020
The concept of buying a property without setting foot inside is not a new one, says Jo Eccles, but doing so successfully requires intricate, specialist knowledge – and a great deal of trust between client and advisor...


Britain banks on youth to lead way out of lockdown | Financial Times
7 April 2020
Ministers are considering how younger people and key industries might lead the UK’s way out of the economic destruction caused by coronavirus, as they prepare to extend the current three-week lockdown beyond the Easter weekend.


Coronavirus (COVID-19): renewing your firm’s professional indemnity insurance | The Law Society
7 April 2020
We’ve compiled a list of some of the issues and possible solutions that you should consider if you’re renewing your firm’s professional indemnity insurance (PII) during the coronavirus pandemic.


First 'virus' survey shows sellers expecting a five-month delay, Estate Agent Today
7 April 2020
What is thought to be the first survey of sellers since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak suggests that they anticipate a five-month delay to their plans.


Covid-19 employment FAQs | Macfarlanes
6 April 2020 
This note addresses some of the many employment related questions that have been asked by our clients since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.


Update on Furlough Leave: key practical issues | Boodle Hatfield
6 April 2020 
Following the government’s recently announced Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, further (and much needed) guidance has been published. Whilst some issues still remain unclear, the guidance clarifies a number of important issues.


Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)  | GOV.UK
6 April 2020 (updated on)
Government guidance on the key things to know when running a business, including working from home, keeping your employees safe and keeping your business 


COVID-19: support for businesses | GOV.UK
6 April 2020 (updated on)
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.


Claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme | GOV.UK
4 April 2020
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19).


Managing Remote Teams: 8 Mistakes to Avoid | Knight Frank
While employees working from home are faced with their own challenges – such as trying not to go stir-crazy – team leaders are facing a different challenge: managing teams remotely. With all face-to-face interaction currently replaced by technology, how can managers maintain their relationships with their team members?


The Real Estate Pandemic Survival Guide Webinar | Mike DelPrete
3 April 2020
30 minute video from Mike DelPrete.

Leading and adapting in challenging times: managing a newly remote team | Shoosmiths
3 April 2020
The dynamics of a previously high performing team will shift in response to the recent working from home directive. As leaders we need to understand the factors that will impact even the most resilient and high performing colleagues.


Moving house during coronavirus: our experts’ advice | The Times
3 April 2020
With the country in lockdown and the housing market frozen, we ask the experts to answer your property-related questions


Guidance for professionals | RICS
The following guidance addresses key concerns and risks we have identified. As the impact of the outbreak is evolving fast, we will continue to monitor developments and find ways to give guidance, signpost to useful resources and flag ways to seek further help related to finances and wellbeing.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Energy Performance Certificates | GOV.UK
2 April 2020
Advice on meeting the regulatory requirement to secure a valid Energy Performance Certificate on marketing a property during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) and data protection | The Law Society
1 April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a significant impact on workplaces globally as governments and organisations are encouraging employees to work from home. But as organisations expand and embed their remote working capabilities, the overall surface area of risk widens.


International Investors Buying UK Real Estate: Advice and UK Government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic | Boodle Hatfield
31 March 2020


Coronavirus (COVID-19): landlord right to rent checks | GOV.UK
30 March 2020
Advice for landlords carrying out right to rent checks during the coronavirus pandemic.
View more


How do you buy a house when you cannot leave home? | Financial Times
27 March 2020
UK property freeze follows damage to markets around the world linked to coronavirus lockdowns
View more (Paywall)


Renting in coronavirus lockdown | Homes & Property
27 March 2020
What's the guidance for renters and landlords impacted by Covid-19 crisis? How is it impacting private renters and landlords? Could tenants be evicted if they don't keep up payments?


Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak | GOV.UK
26 March 2020
Estate agents should ensure they are able to support clients during this period. 
View more


Covid-19: Estate agents, lettings agencies and bingo halls to pay no business rates this coming financial year | GOV.UK 
25 March 2020
Many high street businesses that have closed due to Covid-19 restrictions will now be exempt from business rates.
View more


Covid-19 Checklist | Propertymark
Date not published
Agents need to stay up to date and respond to the latest advice from Government, Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer, but wherever possible continue to offer services, play a role in your community and provide the support that your clients need.


Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF): information for those seeking to participate in the scheme | Bank of England
20 March 2020
On March 17, HM Treasury announced a number of measures designed to support businesses. The Chancellor set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by Covid-19.
View more