This week it was announced that East Renfrewshire is to be placed under Tier 4 restrictions from 6pm on Friday November 20th until December 11th. This means that more than two million people are under the toughest restrictions with a view to reduce the number of those affected by COVID.
The rules mean that non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and gyms will have to close, although schools will remain open. The level four restrictions will remain in place until 11 December.
What does this mean for the property market?
The housing market will remain open under all tiers and people can move home in all protection tiers, including to and from areas placed under different tiers.
Businesses can also continue to support those who are moving. The following is permitted:
-Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes
-Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent
-Preparing a home for sale and visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property including valuations, floorplans and photography
-Preparing a residential property to move in
-Moving home
-Professionals including as surveyors and agents can still visit a home in order to facilitate a home move and the guidance on property viewings continues with a virtual first emphasis.
What do Tier 4 restrictions mean?
-You must not visit other people’s homes but can meet outdoors with up to six people from two households
-You should work from home where possible
-Construction and manufacturing workplaces can remain open
-Only essential indoor retail premises will remain open including food, pharmacies, pet stores, homewares, building supply and hardware stores
-Close contact services such as hairdressers and beauty salons will close
-Visitor attractions, leisure, entertainment venues and indoor gyms will close
-Food outlets and pubs will close with the exception of takeaways
-Schools and educational settings will remain open