Scottish house hunters must now lateral flow before viewings – England next?

Propertymark has backed the Scottish government’s decision to make house hunters attending sales or letting viewings to take lateral flow tests prior their appointment.

The measure is contained with the Scots guidance for those moving home updated and follows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s speech in the Scottish parliament. No details have been given on how agents will police the system.

Other measures include recommending that businesses do not have a Christmas works party and to implement working from home for staff ‘where reasonably practical’ and encourage twice-weekly Covid testing for all staff who are working in branches or offices.

Omicron

Sturgeon (pictured) said: “While we are speeding up vaccination, we must also try to slow down Omicron.

“That is why we are also proposing, albeit reluctantly, some further protective measures. I am appealing to everyone to follow the advice, to help slow Omicron down while more of us get our boosters.”

Daryl McIntosh, Policy Manager at Propertymark says: “The measures introduced are understandable and most agents have been still adhering to previous measures.

“The new guidance for viewers to take lateral flow tests is logical but could be difficult to manage and it will put the onus onto agents to ensure the safety of themselves and their clients.”

English restrictions

But unlike in England where estate agency offices have been specifically included in the list of high street locations where the public and agents must wear masks, they are not included on the Scots list.

The English guidance says that: “Staff within sales and lettings agencies are required to wear face coverings when they are in a part that is open to the public and when they are likely to come into close contact with members of the public.”