Travelling to move house

Admiral_customer

Hi. We are in the process of trying to move house. Our house is SSTC. Our plan is to move approximately 3 hours away from where we live now.  We understand  we can travel to view houses ( as it’s essential as we are sold and will effectively be homeless if we don’t find anywhere). Our plan was to do an over night trip to view houses ( we’ve seen virtually) over two days as would be a 7 hour return trip as soon  lockdown ends. However we are now going to be in tier 3. We can’t find anywhere whether an over night stay for this reason would be allowed or not? We would have pre-booked viewing appointments and proof our house is sold. I know it’s not a great time to relocate during a pandemic but our hand has been forced due to the financial impact it has had on us. Does anyone know if we would be ok to stay overnight in a hotel for the purpose of house hunting? 

hb2

I'm not sure whether you would find a hotel open and willing to take you if they are in tier 3.

CKhalvashi

Hotels are allowed to be open for essential travel (which this is).
Under my understanding of the rules, you are allowed to be away from home for essential travel (which this is).

You should therefore be ok, however will be subject to local rules.

Thrugelmir

Some hotels are only accepting bookings / guests from Tier 2 or lower regions. 

Aranyani

3 hours each way is perfectly do-able, especially with the reduced traffic on the roads and two of you to share the driving. 

sheramber

 you do not say if you are viewing in tier 3 but if you are

accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know
 

gizmo111

Aranyani said:

3 hours each way is perfectly do-able, especially with the reduced traffic on the roads and two of you to share the driving. 

What reduced traffic?  The M4 and M5 are busier now than they were in February!

DCFC79

gizmo111 said:

Aranyani said:

3 hours each way is perfectly do-able, especially with the reduced traffic on the roads and two of you to share the driving. 

What reduced traffic?  The M4 and M5 are busier now than they were in February!

The part of the M5 I use hasn't seen reduced traffic, last 2 weeks its picked up alot.

RTguy

This is a simple good search for gov.uk tier three restrictions.

Travelling into or out of a Tier 3 alert level area

Avoid travelling outside your area, including for overnight stays, other than where necessary, such as:

• for work
• for education
• to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
• because of caring responsibilities
• for moving home
• to visit your support bubble
• for a medical appointment or treatment

Where necessary, you can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.

If you live in a Tier 3 area, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area. You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home (unless you share a support bubble).

Overnight stays

If you are travelling, you should only do so alone or with members of your household or support bubble, and should follow the safer transport guidance.

If you live in a Tier 3 area, you should avoid staying overnight outside of your area other other than where necessary, such as:

• for work
• for education
• because of caring responsibilities
• to visit your support bubble
• for moving home
• to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
• for a medical appointment or treatment

Aranyani

gizmo111 said:

Aranyani said:

3 hours each way is perfectly do-able, especially with the reduced traffic on the roads and two of you to share the driving. 

What reduced traffic?  The M4 and M5 are busier now than they were in February!

Well, obviously the roads aren't empty like they were in full lockdown but there is definitely less traffic on the roads than the pre-Covid 'norm'.  Lots of people still working at home, less leisure travel. 

sheramber

The OP isn't moving house. He is viewing houses.