Opening of English housing market catches estate agents on the hop

Agencies scramble to work out how to do viewings after industry exempted from coronavirus lockdown

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The news that the housing market in England could restart came as a surprise to estate agents. “We thought we’d be included with other retail and it would be 1 June before we could reopen,” says Alasdair Dunne, head of residential at Fisher German. “Then all of a sudden it’s full speed ahead.”

The agency, which has 13 offices covering England and Wales, received the government guidance on how to carry out viewings at 9.30am, but had already heard from clients who had seen the news. “Some of them are really keen to get on and do things, but some are actually quite nervous,” he says. “We are seeing if sellers are happy for viewings to take place. If it doesn’t look feasible to do it safely, we’re not doing it.”

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Has anyone ever seen a squirrel fall out of a tree?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

Has anyone ever seen a squirrel fall out of a tree?
Sarah Chambers, Leeds

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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Has anyone ever seen a squirrel fall out of a tree?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

Has anyone ever seen a squirrel fall out of a tree?
Sarah Chambers, Leeds

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

Continue reading...

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The housing market is open: Everything you need to know

After weeks of discussion with other industry leaders and government, we’re thrilled to share the good news that lockdown measures have now been officially relaxed, for those wishing, or needing, to move in England. For the thousands of home-movers stuck in limbo, unable to complete on their pre-lockdown purchases and sales, your moves will now […]

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How to view property safely

Property viewings, in England, can now resume bringing relief to home-movers around the country. However, your health and safety remains our top concern at this time which is why we’ve created a set of simple guidelines, based on the new government guidance, to give you reassurance when going on property viewings or allowing others into […]

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As in 2008, this crisis will bring winners and losers. This time, let's get it right | Carys Roberts

Progressives missed an opportunity after the last crash. To fix our broken economy after Covid-19, we need bold new ideas

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All crises create winners and losers. In 2008 progressives failed to anticipate and define a compelling story about the financial crisis. Over the following years, house prices have risen more than twice as fast as wages and the highest paid chief executives are now paid twice as much as their 2010 counterparts. A crucial chance to transform the UK’s economic model was squandered.

The economic crisis wrought by coronavirus will be different. But a clear diagnosis of the nature of this crisis, the longstanding weaknesses it has exposed, and a progressive story of how we might recover from it, are as vital now as they were in 2008. This is a task for progressives everywhere: in society, in our workplaces, in our politics. For Labour, seeking to rebound from a disastrous election defeat, this task will be critical.

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A unexpected 'extra' when I cancelled a flexible holiday booking - a voucher

I also had cancellation cover but Holiday Extra has still refused the refund I am due

I made a flexible booking with cancellation cover from Holiday Extras for an airport hotel and parking and, on 11 March, I cancelled it. I was promised a full refund. Two weeks later they offered a voucher, instead. A statement appeared on its website announcing that all customers who cancelled bookings after 17 March would receive a voucher, not a refund, which was irrelevant to my case. I again requested the refund and received another confirmation that I would get my money back within 30 days.

A further month went by and I was informed it was changing its terms and conditions because Covid-19 was a force majeure and I had to accept a voucher. My cancellation wasn’t related to Covid-19. It has now removed the 17 March statement from its website. I don’t understand how, having written to me on three occasions confirming it was processing my refund, it is able to change its terms and conditions.

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