Portsmouth estate agents report a 'boom' after shock announcement to reopen

After being shut down for seven weeks during lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, the government signalled on Sunday that estate agents - classed as non-essential retailers - would be able to throw open their doors again on June 1.

But a dramatic announcement late on Tuesday evening gave agents they all-clear to restart their businesses with immediate effect from Wednesday - allowing both renters and buyers to move home and view properties.

It means property viewings can now be carried out in person as long as social distancing guidance is followed.

Removal firms and conveyancers were also given the green light to start work again.

The whirlwind events have resulted in a ‘boom’ as eager buyers and sellers are quick to pick up where they left off before lockdown.

Pete Keylock, joint owner of Portsmouth-based Jeffries Estate Agents with Stuart Whiting, said: ‘There’s been a real boom. It was a big shock to be told that we were allowed open again suddenly when we were told on Sunday it would be June 1 as we were non-essential retailers.

‘Luckily we’ve been getting everything ready so were well prepared. We’ve bought sanitiser, gloves and face masks and made up leaflets for customers outlining how we’ll be working.’

A number of new measures have been introduced to ensure compliance with government measures.

Pete said: ‘We won’t be shaking hands with customers and for viewings there will be just two people where the vendors are out of the house - with viewings only lasting 15 minutes.

‘Agents on viewings will wear masks and gloves, which will be cleaned before and after. And rather than sitting down and talking about things afterwards we will phone customers to discuss things.

‘This way we are complying with measures whilst giving reassurances to our vendors. But we are not yet doing viewings or valuations for elderly people.’

The company has also introduced a ‘safe desk’ where keys and other items can be dropped off and collected from a safe distance - with markings laid out. A skeleton staff will work in the office while others are continuing to work from home.

Peter added: ‘Things have been booming after reopening but let’s see what happens in 10 days. We were enjoying our best spell of business since 2006 until lockdown and then went to a situation that was worse than the recession (in 2008).

‘It has been a devastating time. One of our employees lost both her parents to coronavirus and a lot of staff here have elderly parents.

‘I think things will bounce back fairly quickly with it a one-off shock - as long as not too many jobs are lost. With our business I have to say the government has been fantastic by supporting us, which has kept us afloat.’

Other estate agents in Portsmouth described their first day after reopening as frenetic and being ‘run off their feet’.

It represents a massive boost after the paucity of the lockdown where agents were unable to do viewings and valuations, whilst surveys were also off limits.

Only essential moves were allowed into a vacant property simultaneously on the same day.

Tim Bourne, sales manager of Fratton-based Chinneck Shaw, told The News after lockdown: ‘The government announcement has obviously stopped us from doing viewings but even before the lockdown there had been a reduction in business levels due to the pandemic.

‘We were not showing that many people around due to public concern. We have done the odd exchange but we are only permitted to do simultaneous moves on the same day into vacant properties.

‘Surveys can’t be done at the moment and local authority searches have ground to a halt. It is tough times - but it is testing times for the nation.’

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said after lockdown was lifted: ‘Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals.

‘Our step-by-step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved.’

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