According to The Guild of Property Professionals, it is of paramount importance that estate and letting agents should be one of the first industries to be allowed back into their offices, once the lockdown restrictions start to be relaxed.

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Although this has not been confirmed there are reports that the government intends to operate a traffic lights system of allowing an ordered return of first small and low risk businesses going back to work, children attending school and eventually bars, restaurants and pubs re-opening.

The Guild of Property Professionals firmly believes that once estate and lettings agents are able to trade again as it will give the economy a much needed ‘shot in the arm’, with a minimal face to face contact required.

A sister company has already written to the government urging it to consider the positive impact on the economy that a resurgence in the property market will have ‘fuelling’ other sectors by its knock on effect.

Jon Cooke, Group CEO of the parent company of The Guild and Fine & Country, said: “As the government establishes a strategy around restarting economic activity, it is important that our industry is allowed to open, operate and transact. Our sector can play a key part in the drive to getting the economy on its feet again.”

The company’s compliance officer said: “Our emphasis during this process is to ensure that every precaution is taken to keep people safe.

“We are pushing for the industry to be able to get back to work, but it is paramount that we all follow the correct procedures to ensure everyone is protected.”

Richard Merrick of PIMS, said: “This is does sound very positive however the two pre-requisites of trading have not been mentioned which is of allowing people to move homes, along with removal companies being able to get back to work.”