Scottish moving homes guidance updated

Further to the announcement on 22 September by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, where stronger measures to tackle the rise in COVID-19 infection rates were implemented, the Scottish Government has now updated its guidance on moving home.

Family bringing boxes into the house

As established by Propertymark earlier this week, it is confirmed that professionals and tradespersons who are required to enter people’s homes to facilitate a home move, can continue to do so.

However, it is imperative that everyone adheres to the safety measures in the moving home guidance and the Propertymark best practice and guidance on house viewings, moves, and maintenance. The emphasis remains firstly on virtual viewings, and secondly on limiting the number of people able to access a property.

Overview of the Guidance

From 29 June 2020, all home moves were permitted, provided they can be carried out safely, this will continue to be the case and the updated guidance provides advice on how to safely do this. 

Home moves include students moving home and other home moves resulting in two or more households merging on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Once new households have been formed, it is imperative to comply with guidance on meeting others when interacting with other households. 

People cannot be a member of more than one household and repeatedly move between homes, causing households to mix beyond extended households, this is not permitted, without reasonable excuse.

Local restrictions

The local restrictions have also been updated to clarify there is no national advice to postpone or delay home moves. If anyone in a chain is affected by additional COVID-19 restrictions imposed in a local area, they must comply with these restrictions. Plans for a local area may be affected depending on the specific restrictions and guidance applied. For example, local restrictions may make it advisable to postpone viewings of properties or delay a home move, where possible.. 

Moving home – advice to the public

Whilst it is discouraged, others from a different household will be allowed to assist with a home move. Socialising, however, is not permitted and asking friends and relatives to help with a house move should be avoided where at all possible.