New and tougher Coronavirus restrictions have been announced in Scotland with decisions on England’s new controls expected to be revealed today or tomorrow.

Under the Scottish rules, in which several parts of the country have been moved into more restrictive Level 3 and Level 4 categories, visits by letting agents and landlords can continue.

However this is as long as official guidance on business and physical distancing are followed, and providing the person visiting is well and not showing Coronavirus symptoms, and neither they nor any of their household is self-isolating.

ARLA Propertymark says that in areas at Level 4, housing services are still essential services but work in other people’s homes should only be undertaken if it cannot be delayed and appropriate safety measures can be implemented. 

In areas at Level 4, tradespeople can continue to work in other people’s homes, but should only provide essential services including urgent repairs and maintenance, and work to support a home move, for example, furniture removal. 

With regards to England after the current lockdown ends on December 2, Downing Street has confirmed that more areas of England are set to be placed into higher tiers than before to keep the virus under control, with specific tier rules strengthened to safeguard progress on reducing the infection R rate achieved during the lockdown.

It is not yet clear exactly how restrictions could affect the housing market, although this is likely to be set out later today or tomorrow according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Changes made to the overall Coronavirus restrictions will be discussed in Cabinet again today and then announced to MPs within the next 36 hours; later this week the proposals will be voted on by Parliament.

The BBC suggests that which areas of England will fall into which Tiers will be revealed on Thursday of this week.