Kinsella Estates: Property Viewings During Covid-19 Restrictions (Second Lockdown)

Earlier this summer, we published an article on our website listing all the new protocols that were put in place in order for property activities to return to some sense of normal, you can refer to those safety protocols here: https://kinsellaestates.ie/kinsella-estates-new-safety-protocols-for-property/ As the nation headed back into lockdown last week, it is important to reassure intending sellers and hopeful buyers about the new safety procedures in place.

At the start of the year, weekend viewings used to be the norm. You could pop in and out of potential new homes, you could bring your parents, kids, friends or that builder cousin with you and you didn’t have to wear a mask. Now everything has changed. Would-be buyers have to go to their agents website, take a virtual tour through the house, view floor plans and photos online so that only genuinely interested parties present in-person for viewings. For the duration of lockdown 2.0, only essential appointments for house viewings are to go ahead, everything else must be done via the internet. 

For essential house viewings, the same protocols introduced earlier this year will apply – no literature can be provided and the auctioneer must make all persons present aware of applicable HSE guidelines before viewings. These viewings must only be conducted after the house has been viewed online, all information required has been received and proof of funds has been submitted. Due to ongoing restrictions the maximum number of people per household allowed at the viewings remains at a total of two. Buyers will be informed if there are any changes to these regulations. 

One of the positive things about conducting much of the initial research online is that when buyers contact our offices, they tend to be more focused and ready to commit. 

Here at Kinsella Estates, our office doors may be closed, but our team is working around the clock to help match your home with the right home buyer (and vice versa!). In terms of new listings and instructions, we are permitted to value homes in preparation for them coming to the market and we provide property videos and social media marketing as standard. 

For buyers and investors, we are happy to provide properties videos and facilitate any virtual tours and, once the proof of funds has been made available – in accordance with the new industry rules – viewings will be arranged. 

For your FREE, no obligation, valuation in the South Wicklow and North Wexford area, call into one of our offices (located in Carnew and Gorey) and chat to any of our expert team or you can contact us online at www.KinsellaEstates.ie. We are happy to facilitate overseas buyers and sellers via Skype or similar, outside of regular office hours.  Alternatively, email gorey@kinsellaestates.ie  or telephone: +353 53 94 21718