We take our duty of care extremely seriously – ensuring that all appointments are conducted safely and in line with government guidelines is our highest priority and, as such, we continue to use enhanced safety measures and follow COVID-19 protocol for our staff and customers. These extended safety measures include ensuring keys are sanitised between viewings, encouraging the use of PPE on viewings and encouraging customers to upload all documents digitally instead of needing physical handling by our teams.
Below are a series of FAQs to help answer any questions you may have about the measures we are taking to ensure the safety of everyone involved in a property transaction.
Viewings
Valuations
In Foxtons offices
Viewings
Can I book a viewing on a property?
We are conducting in-person viewings and following safety guidelines when we do so. The Government has put temporary measures into place to combat the spread of the Omicron variant, so we request all customers to wear face coverings during viewings unless exempt. We also suggest wearing gloves and using hand sanitiser.
Should either of the following circumstance affect your appointment, please inform us to reschedule as you will not be able to view properties with us:
- All travellers arriving in the country (regardless of vaccination status) are required to take a PCR test before the end of day two and self-isolate until they’ve received a negative result.
- All close contacts of anyone who tests positive for the Omicron variant must isolate for 10 days (regardless of vaccination status).
Will I have to bring my own personal protective equipment (PPE) on a viewing?
Yes, in order to maintain the safety of everyone involved, all customers are required to wear their own face covering during viewings. Customers are also advised to bring their own gloves and hand sanitiser. Our teams will not be providing PPE, in order to minimise the risk of transferring germs.
Will I be able to view a property if I don’t have a face covering, gloves and hand sanitiser?
We are currently strongly advising a mask or a visor unless you are exempt. We are also suggesting you view a property wearing gloves, and use hand sanitiser before entering and when leaving a property, to protect you, the current occupiers of a property and our teams. This advice is in line with Government guidelines.
I’ve seen a few properties I like online, when can I view them?
Please let us know and we will arrange a viewing as soon as possible.
How many people can come on a viewing?
It is advisable to keep numbers to a minimum, although there is no limit on how many people can view a property at any one time.
What are you going to do to ensure safety during a viewing?
Before entering a property, we strongly recommend all parties wear a face covering unless they are exempt. We also recommend everyone uses hand sanitiser, wears gloves and follows social distancing guidelines. After viewings, existing occupiers are advised to sanitise surfaces, switches and handles.
Can I view multiple properties?
If you would like to view multiple properties during one appointment please speak to your Foxtons negotiator who will ensure that all guidelines are followed for each property viewed.
My property is on the market but I’m concerned about people visiting my home.
If you are self-isolating or have symptoms of Coronavirus we will not be doing viewings on your property. We will also not be bringing anyone to your house who has any symptoms, and our teams will be advising visitors to wear their own PPE during viewings, consisting of a face covering and gloves, and using their own hand sanitiser before entering and after leaving the property. After viewings we recommend you sanitise surfaces, switches and handles.
Valuations
How many people will be coming on a valuation?
Only one of our team members, the local valuer or manager, will be attending the valuation. They will be your main point of contact for your transaction should you choose to instruct Foxtons to sell or let your property.
Will the valuer wear PPE during the valuation?
Yes, all our team members will wear personal protective equipment, including a face covering and gloves, during all in-person appointments. They will also use hand sanitiser before entering a property, and again after they leave.
Do I need to wear PPE during a valuation?
Our teams will be wearing personal protective equipment, and we strongly advise you to wear a face mask at minimum. It is highly recommended in indoor settings and around people you do not regularly interact with to use PPE.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the valuation?
We will send you a pre-appointment questionnaire via email that we request you fill out. We ask that you open doors throughout the property before we come in to help ensure we are able to move through the property with minimal surface contact. Please also open any curtains and turn on any lights where needed.
Will you be ensuring social distancing during the valuation?
Yes, our teams will observe social distancing throughout the valuation. If possible, we recommend owners or tenants vacate the property, however if this is not possible social distancing measures will, of course, be followed.
In Foxtons offices
What precautions have you taken in your offices?
All our offices have been subject to a thorough COVID-19 Risk Assessment, and we have subsequently adapted our office layouts and working situations where needed. As well as social distancing and thorough hygiene measures, we have introduced new handling and cleaning procedures for keys. We will also be asking all customers to upload digital versions of documentation to avoid cross contamination through handling documents.
Can I visit a Foxtons office?
Visitors can enter a branch without an appointment as long as there is space to socially distance within the branch’s reception area, although you are required to wear a face covering, unless they are exempt. To make an appointment get in touch on our website or contact one of our branches.
Do I need to wear PPE in a Foxtons office?
According to temporary Government measures, all customers are required to wear face coverings in our offices. To avoid the risk of cross contamination Foxtons will not be providing PPE to customers.
If you have booked an in-person viewing or a valuation we will be in touch with you before your appointment with further guidance surrounding safety measures and to send your pre-appointment questionnaire. If you have any further questions please either contact your Foxtons negotiator or valuer, or your local Foxtons office.
