Some show homes and sales offices are reopening - here’s how viewings will work

Now that the government has given the green light for the housing market to reopen, both renters and buyers are allowed to move home and view properties. Following the announcement on Wednesday 13 May, Barratt Developments is reopening its doors to customers on an appointment only basis as of Thursday 21 May. A phased restart The company’s move to reopen its sales offices and show homes follows a phased restart of its construction sites this week. The UK’s largest housebuilder has now reopened around 180 sites in England and Wales - half of its total - with more planned to restart from 25 May. Locally, Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Thames will also be reopening its Kingsbrook development in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said, “We back the government’s decision to unlock the property market which will help to drive the country’s economic recovery. “We are doing this safely with clear measures in place that protect our customers and employees. We will be carefully re-opening our sales offices from this week.” How will viewings be made safe? In anticipation of the government amending regulations to allow people to move home, Barratt has spent the last few weeks carefully redesigning procedures so that it would be safe to reopen once an announcement was made. Several new safety measures and working procedures have now been put in place to enable customers to visit sales centres and show homes safely, based on the latest public health advice. These include implementing protective Perspex screens, retractable barriers and, where necessary, personal protective equipment. Both customers and staff will be required to maintain social distancing, and intercom systems and door locks will enable customers to engage with sales teams before entering offices. Initially, customers will only be able to visit sales centres and carry out physical viewings by appointment, with one household visiting one property at a time. New buyers should contact their local sales office for more detail on specific developments and visit the Barratt and David Wilson Homes websites to book an appointment.