Inundated – that’s how estate agents describe their workload post lockdown.

Chris Moorhouse at Savills’ Beaconsfield office said: “I can honestly say without doubt it’s been the busiest three week period I’ve ever experienced in the 25 years that I’ve been doing this job.

“Along with a significant rebound in online activity we have been inundated with new buyer registrations and requests for virtual and personal viewings.

“There are many, many more inquiries than pre-lockdown.

“Even more encouraging, as restrictions have eased and both buyers and sellers have become used to the ‘new normal,’ we have also seen an increase in sales that are being agreed.

“Demand has been especially strong from London buyers in search of somewhere that offers a change in lifestyle.

“South Bucks has always been a popular destination but now more than ever people want somewhere in the countryside with good amenities, access to green open space and within easy reach of the capital.”

Lenny White at the Wycombe office of Keegan White told the BFP: “The market has returned with a boom. We’re inundated.

“We’re out valuing, taking on and selling properties at asking price without any change in market values.

“Surveyors are now entering properties on behalf of the lenders. Mortgage lending has freed up, allowing buyers with ten per cent deposit funds to go ahead.

“As you’ll know, mortgage rates are at a record low encouraging many first time buyers to go out on the hunt.”

On Tuesday this week, bottom line for a two-year fixed rate deal was below 1.15 per cent.

In one respect at least, ‘new normal’ is no different from traditional normal when it applies to the house market.

There has been the occasional blip, the Wycombe estate agent admits. “We have had a few deals fall through but after re-launching, the properties have attracted strong interest and we have managed to secure new buyers promptly.”

He concedes: “There are of course a few Mickey Mouse offers that come in from some people who try to tell us that the market is shot and therefore their offer of ten per cent below value should be recognised as ‘good’. On the ground I see it otherwise. There is strong demand at the moment.”

The BFP knows a seller who accepted close to a million for a house in Hertfordshire. The property attracted 21 viewings the weekend it initially came on the market in January only for the buyer to reduce his offer by £75,000 when the lockdown put all ongoing deals in jeopardy. The chancer didn’t get away with it. He was given his marching orders.

“Some people remain cautious, given the environment we’re living in today,” says the Wycombe agent. “We’re doing everything we can do to ensure the safety of everyone. All appointments are carried out strictly in line with government guidelines which does take a little longer as we must ‘wipe down’ each property after each single viewing.”

Overall, though, says Lenny White “It’s good to be back.”

Dos and don’ts advice from the online agent Rightmove for potential buyers and renters before they set off to view a house they’ve seen online.

Most agents prefer clients to vet a property on the web before taking the leap of faith and viewing it in reality.

Here’s the Rightmove checklist for serious takers to help everyone stay safe:

  • Use your own transport or walk
  • Before you set out, ask the agent about parking, particularly if you don’t know the area
  • If you need to use public transport, try to travel outside peak hours to maintain the two metre social distancing rule – two metres is about the height of an average sized front door
  • Show up on time, not early or late. This helps to minimise the number of people who could be at the property
  • To make the most of your visit, compile a list of questions to ask the agent and/or owner and bring something handy for jotting down notes (your phone, a pad, whatever)
  • Take hand sanitiser with you or a small bar of soap in a resealable bag
  • Wear a face mask and disposable gloves
  • Bring a small bottle of water in case you’re parched on a hot day

Advice to sellers prior to viewings:

  • Clean all items outdoors and indoors that are likely to be touched – ie bells, door handles, – before and after the visit
  • To avoid unnecessary contact, try to organise free passage through the property: open doors and windows, loft hatches, cupboards, anything where access is important to stand the best chance of a sale
  • Don’t be tempted to shake hands!
  • Ask your agent for feedback either at a meeting outside after the viewing or a video call.