England’s housing market is open for business again after the Government eased lockdown measures.

Estate agents can start selling properties, viewings can be done, and removal firms can resume business.

However, the regulation relaxing must continue under social distancing and safety rules.

It’s thought there are more than 450,000 buyers and renters with plans on hold since the lockdown started in March.

Property website Zoopla calculates more than £80 billion in sales have lain dormant.

Robert Jenrick

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said:

“Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process, from viewings to removals.

“This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.”

Meanwhile, the property markets in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland remain shut.

Property consultant Jonathan Hopper said: “Few things are more likely to make people want to move than being cooped up in the same four walls for weeks on end, and property portals have seen traffic increase by up to a fifth.”