On Monday the 4th of January 2021, it was announced England would re-enter lockdown. It is likely you have many questions regarding what you should do, but it is important to note the housing market remains open.
At Stones Residential, we remain open for business, and we are here to provide you with support, guidance and services in and around Belsize Park. Your safety is paramount, and a top priority for us.
The Government advice for people moving home is as follows:
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You can still move home. People outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.
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Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work. If you are looking to move, you can go to property viewings.
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Follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing, letting fresh air in, and wearing a face covering.
Mark Hayward, Chief Policy Adviser, Propertymark, comments: “We welcome the news that the housing market is to remain open throughout this new lockdown period, but it is essential that all agents continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus through following all relevant guidance on how to safely conduct viewings. It is vital that agents operate in accordance with government and Propertymark guidelines to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, keep movers and buyers safe and keep the housing market moving through these uncertain times.”
Is your home set up for remote working?
The study by Furniture And Choice says 37% admit they still “don’t have a dedicated space to work from at home”. Only 25% of respondents said they have invested in a comfortable seat or desk.
The study also found the average price paid to set up a home office stands at £144 per person. However, it is not uncommon for some households to spend more than £300.
Rebecca Snowdon is the Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, and she has provided some guidance on creating a stylish and functional working space at home.
Rebecca said; “Finding additional space in the home to work from may not be an option for everyone, in which case our workspaces need to integrate seamlessly into the overall style and functionality of the space we’re in. We can see in our research that many people have chosen not to invest in some of the office essentials, instead making use of their existing setups, such as working from their dining table.”
Rebecca continued by saying; “Creating a stylish yet functional work area in your home needn’t break the bank or involve huge amounts of time and planning, but with home working looking set to stay for the near future, it’s well worth giving your home office some TLC.”
Rebecca concludes: “With many of us finding ourselves working from home for the foreseeable future, there really is no better time to give your home working space the refresh it might need. With wellbeing and mindfulness as prevalent as ever, it’s important to create a space that you can switch off from to stay well at home. Carving out a zen zone near your workspace for quick stretch breaks can provide a calming space for yoga or practising meditation.”
If you would like to arrange an appointment to help you negotiate the local housing market, please contact Stones Residential today by calling us on 020 7483 0685 or emailing belsizepark@stonesresidential.co.uk.
