Local conveyancing solicitors have since the weekend been inundated by anxious clients concerned whether they will still be allowed to move house after the government announced new lockdown restrictions coming in to effect this Thursday the 5th November.

'Part of the problem has been that when the Prime Minister announced details of the new restrictions during his Press Conference on Saturday, what was not mentioned was what happens to those who were already planning to move house, on or after 5th November,' says conveyancer Hayley Wakefield at local solicitors Thatcher + Hallam LLP.

Since the weekend, Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced via his Twitter account that in England the housing market remains open, including estate agents and construction sites. House renters and homeowners will be able to still move house and trades people, removal companies and estate agents will all be able to enter and leave peoples' houses, subject of course to the strict safety conditions in force.

'This all comes as a huge relief to many of our clients,' adds Hayley.

In his tweet the Government minister said that 'all parties involved should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance.'

'Basically, if you were planning to move house, then except for additional safety precautions to be taken, the position is that everything is continuing as before, said Hayley. 'Hopefully this clarifies the position for our clients but if any have any concerns then they should contact my colleagues or myself in our residential property team on 01761 414646.'