PROPERTY viewings are allowed again in Scotland - but new rules are in place.

The Scottish Government relaxed the restrictions on visits on Monday, June 29.

However, people are being encouraged to wear face coverings and they are advised to avoid touching surfaces.

ESPC’s chief executive officer Paul Hilton said: “Property buyers and tenants looking to move home will be pleased that physical viewings are now permitted.

“In the last couple of weeks, ESPC has noticed increases in viewing requests for properties for sale, which are significantly up compared to last year.  

“The viewing process is different to before COVID-19 and it is important that all parties involved adhere to the health and safety guidance from the Scottish Government.”

This is the full list of guidance from the Scottish Government

  • Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever this is possible and property agents (estate agents) and landlords should help you to do this
  • All physical viewings should be arranged by appointment only and open house viewings should not take place. You should not view any properties if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating
  • When physically viewing properties, where possible, you should avoid touching surfaces, wash your hands with soap and water before entering the property or use alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitiser)
  • The number of people attending a viewing at one time should be restricted so that physical distancing can be practised. You should only be accompanied to viewings with members of your current household and/or your property agent, social landlord or private landlord or representative.
  • If you need to be accompanied by young children, you should try to stop them touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly
  • If people are being shown around or working in your current home, while you are still living there, you should open all internal doors and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned before and after each viewing with standard household cleaning products
  • Where possible, we recommend that you vacate your property whilst viewings are taking place, unless you are conducting the viewing. This is in order to minimise your contact with those not in your household when moving between properties, you and those in your household should try to do as much of the packing yourself as you can.
  • Where this is not possible, you should speak to removal firms in advance. There is further advice about this below
  • If you are particularly worried about the risk of infection, then speak to the professionals involved, your landlord, letting agent, property agent or removers as they may be able to put in place extra measures