The housing market will stay open during November's lockdown

Updated 02 November 2020

The housing market is to remain open in the four week lockdown in England.

All 7 of Jacobs Steel's branches across Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham-by-Sea and Hove will continue to operate under the Government's COVID-secure guidance and will be open on an appointment only basis, as they are currently. Our opening hours will not change at this time.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the news on Saturday evening via Twitter, some hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown until December 2.

A tweet from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "Q: Can I still move house? A: Yes – the housing market will remain open throughout this period. Everyone should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance."

That guidance, originally issued in August, says: “The process of searching for and moving into a new home is different because property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19. These changes could include doing more online, such as offering virtual viewings; vacating your current property during viewings; and ensuring your property is thoroughly cleaned before someone else moves in."

Our full list of COVID FAQs can be found here. 

The latest government advice can be found here.