You can still move house during lockdown

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced the housing industry can largely continue to operate (Picture: Getty)

People will still be allowed to move to a new home after the new coronavirus lockdown comes into force in England, ministers have confirmed.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said businesses crucial to the housing market can also continue to operate while following health and safety rules.

The exception only applies when moving to a new permanent primary address and does not allow people to move temporarily.

The new restrictions forbid people from staying with friends or family unless for work purposes, education, or if they are in an existing support bubble (a close support network between a single-adult household and one other household).

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Writing on Twitter, Mr Jenrick: ‘Housing market update ahead of Thursday’s measures: Renters & homeowners will be able to move; Removal firms and estate agents can operate; Construction sites can and should continue; Tradespeople will be able to enter homes.

‘But all must follow the Covid safety guidance.’

The announcement will provide some relief to the housing industry which was previously told a ban on moves could be brought into force.

The government’s official guidance on the matter said: ‘It may become necessary to pause all home moves locally or nationally for a short period of time to manage the spread of coronavirus. We will let you know if this needs to happen.’

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick issued the clarification in a Twitter post (Picture: PA)

The warning still appears on the Gov.uk website but the government is widely expected to maintain the same restrictions for the duration of the new lockdown.

During the first shutdown introduced in March, people were allowed to move home but encouraged to postpone doing so if possible.

Businesses have been urged to find ways to make their operations more Covid-safe, such as offering virtual viewings or instructing homeowners to vacate their property during viewings.

Viewings taking place in person may not involve more than one household besides the estate agent and open house viewings remain banned.

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