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Safe Working Practices - Covid-19

We take our duty of care extremely seriously – ensuring that all in-person appointments are conducted safely and in-line with Government guidelines is our highest priority and, as such, we have enhanced safety measures and new protocols for our staff and customers.

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

Can I book a viewing on a property now?

We are now conducting viewings, however strict social distancing and health and safety precautions will apply. We encourage all tenants and buyers to make use of online video tours where available before booking an in-person viewing.

Will I have to bring my own personal protective equipment (PPE) on a viewing?

Yes, and this is a strict requirement. In order to maintain the safety of everyone concerned, all customers will be required to wear their own PPE during viewings, consisting of a face covering and gloves, and customers will also be expected to bring their own hand sanitiser. Our teams will not be providing PPE, in order to minimise the risk of transferring germs. Please also use your own hand sanitiser before entering a property on a viewing.

Will I be able to view a property if I don’t have a face covering, gloves and hand sanitiser?

Unfortunately you will not be permitted to view a property without wearing a face covering and gloves, and using hand sanitiser. This is to protect you, the current occupiers of a property, and our teams and in line with Government guidelines.

I’ve seen a few properties I like online, when can I view them?

If you have seen a video tour of a property you like, and you are interested in making an offer, please let us know and we will arrange a viewing as soon as possible. If you have seen a property you are interested in but it does not have a video tour please let us know and we will do our best to get a video tour recorded for you. Your first step should be viewing a video tour of the property, and arranging all relevant documents so that we are able to begin a transaction should you submit an offer.

How many people can come on a viewing?

In line with the latest Government guidelines, only one household, along with a Gibbs Gillespie representative, can view a property at any one time. Please note that sharers who are not currently living together do not count as one household.

What are you going to do to ensure safety during a viewing?

Before entering a property we will ask all parties to use hand sanitiser. We will also ask all parties to wear a face covering and gloves, and social distancing guidelines will be observed. We will also be requesting that the occupiers of the property open all doors and curtains, and turn on any lights so that we minimise surfaces being touched. We will also be asking any occupiers of a property to vacate the property for the duration of the viewing

Can I view multiple properties?

If you would like to view multiple properties during one appointment, please speak to your Gibbs Gillespie 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 following strict viewing guidelines, and only one household will be allowed on a viewing with a negotiator.

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 Gibbs Gillespie 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?

Whilst our teams will be wearing personal protective equipment, the use of PPE by clients during a valuation is not a requirement. However, clients are of course more than welcome to wear their own PPE.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the valuation?

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 GIBBS GILLESPIE 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 Gibbs Gillespie office?

Appointments will need to be booked in advance if you would like to visit any of our branches. This allows us to ensure social distancing can be complied with. To make an appointment get in touch on our website or contact one of our branches. When you are in the office we will not be greeting you with our customary handshake, and unfortunately we will not be offering customers refreshments in our offices at the moment to minimise contact.

Do I need to wear PPE in a Gibbs Gillespie office?

In line with government guidelines, all customers will be required to wear face coverings in our offices. To avoid the risk of cross contamination Gibbs Gillespie 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. If you have any further questions please either contact your Gibbs Gillespie negotiator or valuer, or your local Gibbs Gillespie office.

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