**Below information correct as of 05.11.20 and will be updated as things change**
As of the 5th November 2020 the country has entered a second lockdown. The Government have confirmed that the housing market will remain open during this lockdown period. The current regulations specifically state that the following activities relating to the property sector are allowed to continue under ‘Exceptions to Leaving Home’:
To undertake any of the following activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property—
(i) visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;
(ii) viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or to rent;
(iii) preparing a residential property to move in;
(iv) moving house;
(v) visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property;
At Davies & Davies we are still open, but with protocols in place to help protect our team, contractors, partners, clients and customers. We’re following the Government guidelines and we have decided to add additional safety measures in order to help protect everyone. Below you can find information about the safety precautions we’re taking, how we’re currently operating, our opening hours and how you can contact us currently.
We will do everything we can to help you during the COVID-19 outbreak, but please bare in mind that we too are operating under unfamiliar territory. The health and safety of our team, customers, clients, contractors and partners is our number one priority right now. Please be patient and please be kind.
Our physical doors are closed and visits to our office are by appointment only (please see ‘Visiting Our Offices’ below).
Our office is currently being staffed by the majority of our team (please see ‘How We’re Working’ below), with vulnerable members of our team working from home.
We ask that you contact us by phone and email during the usual hours of business:
Mon – Thurs: 0845 – 1815
Fri: 0845 – 1800
Sat: 1000 – 1600
Sun: Phone Appointment Only by Request
General inquiries – info@daviesdavies.co.uk / 0207 272 0986
Current vendors and landlords – please contact your dedicated negotiator or property manager on their direct email address or mobile phone – please see ‘Current Vendors & Landlord’s’ below.
Tenants with maintenance issues or emergencies – please use our Report a Repair facility as usual here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/report-a-repair/
Property Valuations – info@daviesdavies.co.uk / 0207 272 0986
Book a Viewing / Interested in a Property (sales or lets) – info@daviesdavies.co.uk / 0207 272 0986
Landlord’s interested in our property management services – management@daviesdavies.co.uk / 0207 272 0986
Those interested in our Surveying, Financial, Conveyancing and New Build Services – info@daviesdavies.co.uk / 0207 272 0986
Visiting our office is by appointment only. If the matter can be dealt with by phone or email please avoid booking an appointment.
For matters for which visiting our office is unavoidable we ask that you please read and adhere to the following:
If you are a tradesperson or contractor performing works on the building:
In line with current guidelines and restrictions, we are able to visit properties to conduct viewings and valuations. We are also able to offer virtual viewings, subject to availability. We suggest viewing a property virtually first and then, if you are interested in potentially making an offer, you may book in for a property visit.
If you would like to virtually view or visit a property please get in touch with our team on info@daviesdavies.co.uk
You can also view our Preparing to View a Property Guide by clicking here our Prepare for People Viewing Your Property Guide by clicking here and our Preparing for a Property Valuation Guide by clicking here.
We have put together protocols for our team that they must adhere to in order to perform a property viewing or valuation safely. These protocols have been created using the Government guidelines, but we have added our own additional safety measures to ensure the safety of our team, clients and customers.
To view our team protocols for conducting a viewing or valuation please click here.
If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our safety measures, or if you have any complaints about a viewing conducted by us please do get in touch with our Sales Director or Lettings Director by emailing them directly using the following email addresses:
Mark Scales (Sales Director): mark@daviesdavies.co.uk
Alex Reach (Lettings Director): alex@daviesdavies.co.uk
We have created a set of guides, using Government guidelines, on how you can prepare for people viewing or valuing your property safely. You can use the advice for property viewings and valuations and adapt it for other home visits, such as tradespeople undertaking repairs or other maintenance on your property, surveys, photographers and other types of home access that may be required, whether you are a tenant, landlord or vendor.
To view the How to Prepare for People Viewing Your Property Guide please click here.
To view the Preparing for a Property Valuation Guide please click here.
We have created a guide, using Government guidelines, on how you can prepare to view a property safely. We advise viewing the property virtually first and then, if you are interested in potentially making an offer and would like to access the property to view it please contact our team to book a viewing.
To view the Preparing to View a Property Guide please click here.
Please contact Davies & Davies immediately. You must not view a property if you, or any member of your household, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are currently shielding. We will work with you to make alternative arrangements.
Please contact Davies & Davies immediately. You must not allow access to your property if you, or any member of your household, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are currently shielding. We will work with you to make alternative arrangements.
If you are working with a tradesperson or contractor and have booked them directly you must notify the tradesperson or contractor immediately.
You can also view our Preparing for People Accessing Your Property (Contractors + Tradespeople) by clicking here.
There is an expectation from the UK Government that tradespeople and contractors follow the Government’s safer working guidance and companies should ensure their employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to customers. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaners, photographers, videographers, inspection clerks and surveyors.
Our contractors and tradespeople operate as independent bodies and it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure that they adhere to the law and Government guidelines. Davies & Davies cannot be held responsible for any issues arising as a result of a contractor or tradesperson not following the law or Government guidelines.
However, we feel that we have a responsibility to try to do our best to limit any potential issues and we do so by:
a) requiring all tradespeople and contractors that we recommend sign a contract with us in which they agree to abide by best practice, to adhere to the law and act compliantly and ethically in any work they perform for us or any of our customers and clients;
b) regularly reviewing our contractors and tradespeople using client feedback and spot checks.
Whilst the responsibility to adhere to Government guidelines about COVID-19 and the law ultimately lies with the contractor or tradesperson, and not Davies & Davies, we have created a guide intended to help contractors and tradespeople prepare to enter someone’s home. It is not legal advice, nor can we guarantee that contractors or tradespeople will adhere to it, but it is there to help and we have sent a copy of this guide to all of the contractors and tradespeople that we recommend and work with.
To view the Contractors: How to Prepare to Enter Someone’s Home Guide click here.
If you’re a tenant whose property is currently managed by Davies & Davies and you have any concerns please contact your property manager directly.
Managed tenants are still able to and are encouraged to report maintenance issues via our online Report a Repair platform as normal. Please note that our contractors will prioritise attending emergency call outs and essential works, such as gas safety inspections. Any other general maintenance issues will be conducted, although there may be a bit of a delay due to COVID-19 and we ask that tenants are please patient. We ask that tenants please make sure to report these issues, as usual, via Report a Repair.
Please note that our contractors may request that all members of the household are not in the property when they attend, other than to let them into the house (if required). This might mean that all household members vacate the property to go for a walk or, if possible, remain in their garden or outdoor space. Where this isn’t possible, they will be asked to remain in one room together away from the contractor. These measures are to protect both the contractor and the household members. If any member of the household is sick, self-isolating or vulnerable the contractor will discuss their own protocols for handling such circumstances with the household directly. We ask that you clean down all surfaces in affected rooms before the contractor’s visit to your property and that you open up all internal doors and any other relevant doors or hatches.
Reported emergency and essential maintenance will be dealt with as normal and priority given to the most serious cases. In the unlikely incident that our contractors are unable to attend a property we will do all we can to limit the impact this may cause and find a solution, we will also keep in contact with you and your landlord to keep you both updated as to the progress of the situation.
If you are a tenant who rented the property through Davies & Davies but are not currently managed by us please notify your landlord directly of any emergency, essential or general maintenance issues.
Your property manager’s remote working contact details:
Katrina Fernandes: 07737151290 / Katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk
Fabio Sampaio: 07581081085 / Fabio@daviesdavies.co.uk
Alisha Eversley-John: 07485312044 / Alisha@daviesdavies.co.uk
Please remember, that if you need to report a maintenance issue or an emergency please use our Report a Repair facility as usual here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/report-a-repair/
In summary, if a contractor must attend your property please remember to bare in mind the following:
Please read our full guide to Preparing for People Accessing Your Property (Contractors + Tradespeople), click here.
Keep an eye on our blog for guides, advice and tips during this difficult time here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/insights/
You can also join our tenants mailing list by filling in our registration form at the bottom of our homepage here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/
If you’re a tenant whose property is managed by us and you’re worried about being able to pay all or some of the rent, please get in contact with your property manager. We will speak to your landlord on your behalf and will try our best to work together with you and your landlord to find a solution. This is a very worrying time for everyone and we’re very sympathetic that tenants are concerned about being able to pay their rent, landlords (as well as other property owners) are concerned about being able to pay their mortgages. If you’re feeling anxious, want some advice or help please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Supporting our tenants and our landlords is one of our biggest priorities at this time.
Katrina Fernandes: 07737151290 / Katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk
Fabio Sampaio: 07581081085 / Fabio@daviesdavies.co.uk
Alisha Eversley-John: 07485312044 / Alisha@daviesdavies.co.uk
If you are currently in the process of renting a property through Davies & Davies our team will be in regular contact with you. However, if you would like to discuss your rental with us, have any concerns, or would simply like some advice during this difficult time please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our Lettings Director Alex:
Alex Reach (Lettings Director): alex@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07921382805
Our team have been publishing guides, advice and tips to help advise you through this difficult time, copies of which you can find on our blog here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/insights/ You can also ask to be adding to our Tenants mailing list to receive weekly helpful guides and insights.
You can also view our Preparing to View a Property Guide by clicking here and you can view our team protocols for conducting a viewing to see what safety measures we’re doing whilst conducting viewings and valuations by please clicking here.
If you’re interested in renting a property through Davies & Davies but haven’t yet been in contact with our team please drop us an email on info@daviesdavies.co.uk or call us on 0207 272 0986. We’re now able to conduct viewings – please see ‘Viewings, Valuations & Accessing Homes’ above.
Keep an eye on our blog for guides, advice and tips during this difficult time here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/insights/
You can also join our tenants mailing list by filling in our registration form at the bottom of our homepage here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/
You can also view our Preparing to View a Property Guide by clicking here and you can view our team protocols for conducting a viewing or valuation to see what safety measures we’re doing whilst conducting viewings by please clicking here.
If your property is currently on the market, or if your property or portfolio is currently managed by us, our team will be in regular contact with you.
We are currently showing properties to prospective tenants and buyers. Please see ‘Viewings, Valuations & Accessing Homes’ above for more information on safety measures.
If you are a let only Landlord and you are interested in instructing us to manage your property, please get in touch with Alex on the details below. If you would like to discuss your property with us, have any concerns or would simply like some advice during this difficult time please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our management team below:
Sales Director: Mark Scales – mark@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07870510129
Lettings Director: Alex Reach – alex@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07921382805
Head of Property Management: Katrina Fernandes – katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07737151290
Our team have been publishing guides, advice and tips to help advise you through this difficult time, copies of which you can find on our blog here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/insights/ You can also ask to be added to our Landlords or Vendors mailing list to receive weekly helpful guides and insights.
You can also view our Prepare for People Viewing Your Property Guide by clicking here and our Preparing for a Property Valuation Guide by clicking here.
If you would like to put your property on the market for sale, please get in touch with our Sales Director Mark on the contact details below. If you’re interested in putting your property on the market for rent, please get in touch with our Lettings Director Alex on the contact details below. We offer a range of lettings services, from let only up to full management, which we can tailor to suit you.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, since the lifting of the lockdown restrictions on the property market and the stamp duty announcement, we have seen a swift rise in new instructions and buyer and tenant inquiries. Whilst we’re understandably pleased that the property market is moving, we want to ensure you that we will market your property highly effectively whilst ensuring we manage all viewings, valuations and other essential activity safely. As such, our team is keeping up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines, as well as constantly reviewing our protocols and advice in line with new information and guidance by the Government and by our regulating body Propertymark.
If you would like to discuss your property with us, have any concerns or would simply like some advice during this time please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our directors below:
Sales Director: Mark Scales – mark@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07870510129
Lettings Director: Alex Reach – alex@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07921382805
You can also view our Prepare for People Viewing Your Property Guide by clicking here and our Preparing for a Property Valuation Guide by clicking here.
If you’re a Landlord (managed or let only), Vendor (currently on the market or previous client of ours) or Buyer (currently in the process of buying or a recent or historic client of ours) and you are worried about being able to pay your mortgage and would like some advice or just a friendly ear please get in contact with our team. We work closely with our mortgage and insurance broker partners Heron Financial and together we can provide advice and guidance to help you through this difficult time.
Vendors & Buyers: Mark Scales – mark@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07870510129
Landlords: Katrina Fernandes – katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07737151290
If you are currently in the process of buying a property through Davies & Davies our team will be in regular contact with you. However, if you would like to discuss your purchase with us, have any concerns, or would simply like some advice during this difficult time please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our Director of Sales:
Sales: Mark Scales – mark@daviesdavies.co.uk / 07870510129
Our team have been publishing guides, advice and tips to help advise you through this difficult time, copies of which you can find on our blog here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/insights/ You can also ask to be adding to our Landlords or Vendors mailing list to receive weekly helpful guides and insights.
You can also view our Preparing to View a Property Guide by clicking here and you can view our team protocols for conducting a viewing or valuation to see what safety measures we’re doing whilst conducting viewings and valuations by please clicking here.
If you’re interested in buying a property through Davies & Davies but haven’t yet been in contact with our team please drop us an email on info@daviesdavies.co.uk or call us on 0207 272 0986. We’re now able to conduct viewings – please see ‘Viewings, Valuations & Accessing Homes’ above.
Keep an eye on our blog for guides, advice and tips during this difficult time here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/insights/
You can also join our buyers mailing list by filling in our registration form at the bottom of our homepage here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/
You can also view our Preparing to View a Property Guide by clicking here and you can view our team protocols for conducting a viewing or valuation to see what safety measures we’re doing whilst conducting viewings and valuations by please clicking here.
Following consultation with our team and in line with Government guidelines, we have decided that all vulnerable members of our team should work from home. The rest of the team are able to work from the office unless they feel unsafe or are living with a vulnerable person. Many of our team wish to work from the office (whoever knew!) and we want to support them in doing so as long as it is safe to do so and as long as the government says it is ok. It’s also difficult for many of our team to do their jobs effectively from home.
Currently, three of the directors and a department manager are working in the office on a daily basis. Each are situated on different floors and are responsible for the safety of the work environment, any team members working from the office, and visitors.
To view our team protocols for conducting a viewing or valuation please click here.
To keep our team, clients, customers and contractors safe we have created a set of COVID-19 protocols for our team members that adhere to the guidelines set out by the Government and our regulating body Propertymark. These protocols cover all of our current activity and range from ‘Working From the Office Safely’ to ‘How to Safely Perform a Viewing’. Our team have been trained in these protocols and have each signed a document to confirm that they have read, understood and agree to adhere to these protocols.
We have also performed a risk assessment and report of our office space to mark out potential points for contamination and to help ensure that we are able to socially distance when at the office. We have placed a safety marking on the floor of the ground floor office, which marks out where visitors must stand. We’ve put up safety signage on our front door and across the building. We’ve keep a stock of safety and sanitising equipment for our team including face masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, sanitising spray and door safety openers.
We instructed a deep clean of the office on the 16th May and our office is being cleaned professionally every week day.
We’ve created a set of guides (please see ‘Full List of Guides’ below) for our Vendors, Landlords, Buyers, Tenants and Contractors that have been sent-out by email and are emailed out to any tenant, buyer or home owner when they book in for a valuation or viewing. We have also created this guide and will be communicating further about safety through our newsletters, social media, blog and on our website.
If you’re a Stroud Green or Finsbury Park resident (or live near these areas) you can find a regularly updated directory containing operating information and offers from small businesses, charities and local initiatives, accompanied by tips on how you can help your local community here: https://www.daviesdavies.co.uk/2020/03/help-support-our-local-community/
Contractors: How to Prepare to Enter Someone’s Home Guide, click here.
Preparing for People Accessing Your Property (Contractors + Tradespeople), click here.
Preparing to View a Property Guide please click here.
How to Prepare for People Viewing Your Property Guide please click here.
Preparing for a Property Valuation Guide please click here.
To view our team protocols for conducting a viewing or valuation please click here.
Please note We’ll keep this information updated as things change but for now we’re available on our direct emails, mobile phones, office phone (0207 272 0986) and on info@daviesdavies.co.uk
Please note: all advice given within this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice.
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Read More...85 Stroud Green Road
Finsbury Park
London, N4 3EG
Mon – Thurs: 0845 – 1815
Fri: 0845 – 1800
Sat: 1000 – 1600
Sun: Appointments by request