Why Government is right to reopen housing market: The Yorkshire Post says

But with strict new guidelines in place – including a continued ban on open house viewings and current occupiers being told to stay out of properties while a viewing is going on – the measure is not only one which will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the economy but will also let hundreds of thousands of people out of the limbo of being trapped between house moves.

According to the Government, more than 450,000 buyers and renters have been unable to progress their plans to move since March, with Zoopla saying £82 billion worth of housing sales had been stalled in the process. Sales also equal Stamp Duty payments that will provide a much-needed boost to Treasury coffers.

This is about much more than protecting house price values; for better or worse property sales are the heartbeat of the economy and their renewal will trigger increased spending through builders, tradespeople, removal firms and solicitors to name just a few areas.

Yorkshire estate agents are also reporting changing priorities from prospective buyers in the wake of the lockdown; good broadband speeds have become a must as millions more work from home, along with bigger gardens.

But as we get used to a new way of life, bricks and mortar will continue to play a vital role in the health of the nation’s economy.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor