Will lockdown affect house move?

Windofchange

We are a little bit behind most on here, but were working towards exchange of contract in the coming weeks rather than months. I guess that in our instance, everyone in the chain will just hold off exchanging contracts for a month or so which I guess isn't the end of the world. Feel sorry for anyone literally about to pack up and move. I don't know about the legalities of this, but were that myself, I would offer to let the current residents of the house we are buying stay to weather out the storm whilst we carry on in our rented accommodation. I wouldn't be able to extend that for an indefinite period, but due to a recent PPI payout, I could probably just about do a month to two of rent and mortgage payments. I know contracts state vacant possession however, so not sure how legal that would be? Technically they would be trespassing, but if both parties were happy with the agreement? 

Thaipie

bigmortgage said:

Thaipie said:

Having watched Boris tonight I think we are done for as far as moving on Thursday but I have to say I totally agree with his decision. We won't be the only ones in this position and surely there can't be any penalties if completion doesn't go ahead just now.

I doubt it. Jake's post seems to sum things up. Pulling out of the property purchase will likely result in you losing your deposit. If you aren't willing to move, then you're only other option would be to complete and move when you feel ready. Contracts don't generally have a force majeure clause, and in any case moving home is most certainly an exceptional circumstance.

Time will tell

bob_the_dinosaur

I have to be honest, if online shopping is open, then house moves should be.  I don't see how someone down the street can get clothes delivered from an online retailer but I wouldn't be allowed to fulfill a legal contract

bigmortgage

Thaipie said:

Time will tell

Based on other countries that are ahead of the UK (France and Italy), that is the approach being taken. A move is only classed as non-essential if it is actually non-essential, i.e. you are not contractually obliged to leave your property. If you have the luxury of being able to stay put but have still signed a contract to buy then in other countries you are not only legally not allowed to move you also legally still have to purchase the other property.

Woodley31

We are supposed to be exchanging & completing Wednesday , we are moving to a park home which is fully furnished so I basically have an empty house other than boxes , absolute nightmare if it doesn’t happen . Not sure how people can say it isn’t essential when you are thus far down the line ! 😢

Thrugelmir

bob_the_dinosaur said:

I have to be honest, if online shopping is open, then house moves should be.  I don't see how someone down the street can get clothes delivered from an online retailer but I wouldn't be allowed to fulfill a legal contract

I guess some people will never understand the message however many times it's repeated. 

Tigerdan2020

Due to complete and move Friday 3rd April. I cant see it happening now. Will be discussing with my solicitor the way forward tomorrow

bigmortgage

Woodley31 said:

We are supposed to be exchanging & completing Wednesday , we are moving to a park home which is fully furnished so I basically have an empty house other than boxes , absolute nightmare if it doesn’t happen . Not sure how people can say it isn’t essential when you are thus far down the line ! 😢

You haven't exchanged, so a lot will depend on the other party's situation. But moving will most certainly be classed as essential, as it is in every other country on lockdown. Not doing so opens an enormous can of worms where some people end up with nowhere to live, while others pay two rents or one rent and a mortgage and others still lose deposits.

There are far bigger issues for the government to solve right now than re-writing the property renting/selling lawbooks.

Thrugelmir

bigmortgage said:

Woodley31 said:

We are supposed to be exchanging & completing Wednesday , we are moving to a park home which is fully furnished so I basically have an empty house other than boxes , absolute nightmare if it doesn’t happen . Not sure how people can say it isn’t essential when you are thus far down the line ! 😢

You haven't exchanged, so a lot will depend on the other party's situation. But moving will most certainly be classed as essential, as it is in every other country on lockdown. Not doing so opens an enormous can of worms where some people end up with nowhere to live, while others pay two rents or one rent and a mortgage and others still lose deposits.

There are far bigger issues for the government to solve right now than re-writing the property renting/selling lawbooks.

???
"From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work."

Firsttimebuyer_25

Buying a house feels somewhat like shopping for a daily necessity....roof over ones head and all that