The COVID-19 flare-up in Leicester and subsequent lockdown should act as a warning to the agents up and down the country to move cautiously.
That was the message from Iain McKenzie, chief executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, a network of independent agents.
He said: “The lockdown in Leicester is a reminder to all within the industry that while we are currently able to trade, COVID-19 is still a very real threat and we need to ensure we are protecting our customers and our businesses by being prepared and following government guidelines.
“Agents who are not following health guidelines are doing so at their own peril and are placing themselves, as well as their vendors and buyers in danger.”
He added that every agent should ensure that their office is a COVID-secure environment, while the emphasis should be placed on virtual meetings.
Meetings should be ‘appointment only’, while no non-essential travel should be permitted.
The Guild’s compliance officer, Paul Offley, has issued recommendations to agents in the Leicester saying that teams should work from home where they possibly can.
McKenzie added: “As stipulated by the government, agents should be offering virtual valuations and viewings before going ahead with a meeting in person.
“The Guild have also provided members with a health assessment form they can send to vendors and potential buyers to verify that the household is COVID-free before they meet in person.
“As an industry that works with people and in their homes, it is our responsibility that we do all we can to ensure they are protected and feel safe throughout the process.”
