(Bloomberg) -- The U.K. government has set out plans to reopen England's housing market from Wednesday, as part of the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
After a seven-week lockdown in which people were forbidden from moving house unless it was essential, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said a change in the rules would:
- Allow real estate offices to open
- Permit viewings of properties
- Let house moves take place
House builders will also be able to negotiate flexible hours with councils, to make it easier for construction workers to keep social distancing rules while traveling to work.
The government estimates 450,000 people have had their plans on hold. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has argued that virus infections are now coming under control, allowing the easing of restrictions.
“Our step-by-step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved,” Jenrick said in an emailed statement. “This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”
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