At Norton Rickett, we believe communication is key, particularly at these times now. Currently any calls or emails will be dealt with directly by one of the owner-directors. We are also regularly reporting to our clients & buyers specifically on the Covid-19 situation – below is our sixth update in the last month:

As we all continue through our revised routines, we hope that you and your families are still safe and healthy. This update takes us even further into new territory – as expected, it was announced by the Government yesterday that the lockdown has been extended by a further three weeks. In effect, this takes us to Thursday 7th May, but it is still ambiguous with no declared end-date with the inference that lockdown may yet be extended again beyond the delayed May Bank Holiday (for the VE Day 75th anniversary on Friday 8th May). Meanwhile, there are indications that the situation regarding policy, particularly the exit-strategy, is becoming politicised, as well as there being apparent differences in the approach globally. However for now we must continue, for everyone’s safety, with the restrictions we implemented three weeks ago, including no viewing appointments.

Meanwhile we continue to take enquires about properties in our portfolio, which gives hope that once restrictions are relaxed we will have pent-up demand from buyers. As a company we are reviewing new options that are available, particularly digital/virtual services, but with purchasing a home being such a significant decision, we believe that ultimately physical visits and assessment will still be a critical part of the process. And we continue to monitor Government guidelines and industry standards, so that we are ready to advise you, our clients, at any point. As Pano Christou, CEO of Pret a Manger, said on the Radio 4 ‘Today’ program earlier this morning regarding today’s re-opening of 10 of their outlets (close to London hospitals), ‘we’re taking this day by day’.

We thank you for your understanding and on-going support as we work through this for you. We hope you have a good weekend; stay safe.