Dramatic upswing in Sheffield house sales after lockdown eased

The residential conveyancing team at Taylor&Emmet LLP completed 120 property sales and purchases for clients in the last two weeks of May.

During the same period, 59 web enquiries about new transactions were received, compared to 33 in the whole month of May last year, an increase of 78 per cent in half the time.

Neil Riley, head of conveyancing at Taylor&Emmet, said: “Our department was working incredibly hard during lockdown to progress ongoing property transactions as far as possible, so we had many clients ready to move when the government gave us the green light.

“It is a little early to say it is ‘business as usual’, as everyone involved in the house buying and selling process needs to make their part of the transaction Covid-secure.

“For now, our offices remain closed to visitors, but we are fully operational and equipped to work from home, progressing and dealing with transactions, right up to completion.”

Taylor&Emmet’s conveyancing team generates 40 per cent of the firm’s income.

Partner Sarah Gaunt added: “You can put your property on the market and begin viewing houses, however, if anyone in your family begins to show symptoms of covid-19, you need to let your estate agent know. You must stop any viewings until you have completed the appropriate self-isolation period.“Estate agents can visit your house to take marketing photos and videos, by following the appropriate social distancing rules to avoid the spread of infection. They will do what they can to encourage people to view it virtually, so just a small number of physical visits take place, minimising the contact you have with third parties during the transaction.

“You should encourage all viewers to wash their hands and avoid touching surfaces, where possible.

“Before each visit, clean all surfaces, including door handles and open doors in readiness. Make sure you observe social distancing measures, by perhaps remaining outside during the viewing.”

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