Sales Offices and Show Homes Reopening To House-Hunters
Following the government’s announcement about restarting the home moving process, housebuilders are beginning to reopen their sales and marketing suites and show homes, in line with strict rules and safeguards.
These include social distancing, the wearing of face masks and gloves, and the use of hand sanitiser. Sales agents will remain outside a show home to be a safe distance from their guests.
For people who are considering moving home, the new government guidelines will be of great relief in restoring the buying and selling process. A fast-growing number of virtual viewings and interactive tours is assisting those who cannot leave their home, or are still nervous about doing so.
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Bellway Thames Valley has announced the reopening of its sites in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire with a phased plan which saw all show homes open for visitors from Monday 1 June. Procedures have been implemented across all show homes to eliminate any risks to visitors and staff have been trained in covid-10 protocols. Emma Jones, sales and marketing director at Bellway Thames Valley said: “Our staff and our customers are very precious to us, so the decision to re-open show homes and marketing suites was one we have carefully assessed. As we begin to emerge from this period of uncertainty, buyers are demonstrating new conviction about their preferences and our figures during lockdown indicate that buyers remain committed. Whilst ensuring thorough safety measures, we are pleased that we are able to continue to support our customers to press ahead with their plans.”
Weston Homes has reopened the sales and marketing suite and show homes at the Denham Film Studios development. The company has implemented detailed anti-coronavirus safeguarding and social distancing procedures and highlights that the marketing suite is in excess of 1,350 sq ft in size, with a spacious reception foyer and roomy seating areas – providing ample space for social distancing. As per the new guidelines, appointments will be focused around off-peak commuter travel times and a minimal number of people attending the visits to assist with social distancing. In the show homes, a tour has the benefit of being ‘contactless’ meaning that all the doors and selected cupboards are open and the lights are turned on so that buyers do not need to touch anything. Whilst a buyer is having a tour of a property the sales agent will wait outside the property to assist with health safeguarding. Available homes here start from £644,995.
Millwood Designer Homes has now opened its developments across Kent, Surrey and Sussex to visitors. All employees have been trained in Covid-19 protocols and the company recommends that all customers take advantage of its online virtual tours, then follow up with an appointment in person where up to two members of the same household will meet one sales representative present. Social distancing rules, and plentiful cleaning/hygiene, will apply. Sales director Philip Brown commented: “We’re delighted to be in a position to support buyers to continue with their plans. Find out more at www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk.
Vistry Group, which includes brands Bovis Homes and Linden Homes, is reopening sales centres and show homes across Essex and Hertfordshire by appointment only. Developments in Chipping Ongar, Great Yeldham, Saffron Walden, Langham, Frinton-on-Sea, Bishop’s Stortford, Bricket Wood, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Royston and Welwyn have been getting ready to receive visitors, with a maximum of two from the same household at any appointment. “The safety of our customers and our own sales colleagues is paramount, and we won’t compromise on that,” said regional sales and marketing director, Jason Colmer. “We are committed to managing customer visits in a measured, phased and safe manner. A lot of planning has gone into this and as time goes on, the plans will undoubtedly evolve to encompass the latest guidance to ensure everyone’s safety. Find out more at www.bovishomes.co.uk or www.lindenhomes.co.uk.