Coronavirus and Property: Advice & Guidance

Last updated: October 2025

The ongoing global situation has led many to consider how coronavirus and property will be affected in the coming years.

While the pandemic may no longer dominate the headlines, its impact on the property market still lingers in many ways. Looking back at the COVID-19 crisis and how it reshaped the way we buy, sell, rent and move home helps us understand where we are today in 2025.

This guide outlines the advice, rules and market movements that applied during the height of the pandemic, particularly during the third national lockdown in early 2021. Whether you’re reflecting on how far the market’s come, or trying to make sense of today’s trends, this is your essential roundup.

The latest rule, back in 2021

In England, the entire country entered a full national lockdown in early 2021. The official guidance was to stay at home, and most public-facing services were closed, including schools, gyms, restaurants and pubs. Safety measures like wearing masks and maintaining 2-metre distancing were in full effect.

Here’s how it affected the property sector at the time:

• You could still move home; the housing market remained open.
• Property viewings were allowed but encouraged to be virtual in the first instance.
• Estate agents could operate, but only with strict safety measures in place.
• Buyers had to prove they were in a position to proceed (e.g., mortgage agreed in principle, their own home under offer).
• Open-house events were banned.
• Everyone had to wear face coverings during viewings.
• Surfaces were to be avoided, and properties cleaned after visits.
• Family or non-bubble members couldn’t help with packing or moving.
• Tradespeople, cleaners and removal firms were allowed to work again under strict guidance.

And now in 2025…

Thankfully, those emergency rules are no longer in effect. However, many changes introduced during the pandemic have stuck around:

• Virtual viewings are still common and help speed up the buying process.
• Agents often still screen buyers to ensure they’re serious before in-person viewings.
• Many homeowners remain cautious about who enters their property. Especially during seasonal flu waves.

The main takeaway? The pandemic didn’t just pause the market, but it changed how we interact with it.

Will there be a stamp duty holiday extension?

Back in 2021…

The Government introduced a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday in July 2020, waiving SDLT on the first £500,000 of all property sales in England and Northern Ireland.

After intense pressure from buyers, sellers and industry professionals, the Chancellor extended the holiday on 3 March 2021:

• The full holiday lasted until 30 June 2021.
• A tapered version continued until 30 September 2021 for homes up to £250,000.
• After that, standard SDLT rules returned.

The goal? To keep the housing market afloat and prevent sales from falling through due to last-minute costs.

And now?

That holiday is long gone, but it left its mark. The rush to complete before the deadline led to delays, price spikes, and frantic chains. While there’s no similar tax break currently in place, this period serves as a reminder that government policy can make or break market momentum.

First-time buyers

Back then…

First-time buyers faced an uphill battle in 2020 and 2021:

• High loan-to-value mortgages (90% and 95%) vanished almost overnight.
• Many banks deemed them too risky during uncertain economic times.
• The Help to Buy scheme closed to new applicants in December 2020.
• A new Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme replaced it in 2021, running until 2023.

To support the sector, the Government also launched a 95% mortgage guarantee scheme in March 2021. Allowing buyers with just a 5% deposit to access high loan-to-value mortgages, even if they weren’t buying a new build.

And today?

First-time buyers are still feeling the pinch, but for different reasons. The cost-of-living crisis, combined with higher interest rates, makes it harder to save for a deposit or secure an affordable mortgage. That said, some lenders are offering competitive deals again, and government support still exists, though it’s evolved.

Mortgage holidays

At the time…

In response to the financial strain of lockdowns, homeowners could apply for a mortgage payment holiday:

• Available until 31 March 2021.
• Up to six months total deferral, in three-month blocks.
• No direct impact on credit score, but it was noted on credit files.
• All deferrals had to end by 31 July 2021.

These holidays offered temporary relief, but added interest meant future payments would be higher or the mortgage term would be extended.

What about now?

Mortgage holidays, as they were, no longer exist. However, lenders remain flexible if you’re facing financial difficulty. Today’s best advice mirrors what we learned during the pandemic: communicate early, understand the long-term impact of any deferrals, and get tailored advice if needed.

Can your home be repossessed?

Back in early 2021…

Eviction and repossession rules were temporarily frozen:

• Landlords couldn’t begin eviction proceedings until at least 31 March 2021.
• Exceptions included anti-social behaviour, serious rent arrears (six months or more), or illegal occupation.
• Homeowners in financial trouble were encouraged to apply for mortgage holidays or negotiate with lenders.

Today in 2025…

Protections are no longer in place, but the experience reshaped how many landlords and lenders work. Most now prioritise communication and solutions over court action, but if you’re behind on rent or mortgage payments, don’t wait to speak up. Help is available, but only if you ask for it.

Advice for renters

What happened then…

• Rent arrears soared during the pandemic, with renters four times more likely than homeowners to fall behind.
• Tenants were encouraged to speak with landlords about revised repayment plans.
• Universal Credit received a £20 per week temporary boost.
• Emergency funding was made available for students unable to use paid-for accommodation.

What’s happening now?

Renters are still feeling the effects. The cost of rent has climbed in many areas, and supply is tighter than ever. If you’re struggling:

• Speak to your landlord early. Many are more understanding than you might expect.
• Check your eligibility for housing support or Universal Credit.
• Use budgeting tools to plan ahead and avoid slipping into debt.

Financial advice

During COVID…

Many realised they were living paycheck to paycheck. On average, UK workers only had enough savings to last 32 days if their income stopped. The pandemic was a wake-up call for emergency funds, income protection and smart money management.

Legal & General’s Income Protection Benefit offered financial support to those unable to work due to illness.

In 2025…

That wake-up call is still ringing. With interest rates still relatively high and living costs squeezed, it’s more important than ever to build a buffer, review your mortgage deals, and explore protection policies that could safeguard your finances in tough times.

What other help was available?

Back then…

• The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) helped those who filed a 2019/20 tax return.
• Energy suppliers were urged to offer emergency credit for prepayment meters.
• Payment holidays were available for car finance, credit cards and personal loans.

Now?

While those schemes have ended, support still exists in different forms:

• Debt charities like StepChange and National Debtline offer tailored advice.
• Many energy suppliers now have hardship funds.
• You may still be able to negotiate reduced payments or interest rates on debts if you’re struggling.

The current housing market

How it changed during the pandemic…

The pandemic caused a shift in what buyers looked for:

• Gardens, green spaces and home offices became hot property.
• Many left cities in favour of more space in rural or suburban areas.
• Working from home became a permanent fixture for many.

In 2025…

These priorities remain. While some have returned to the office, hybrid working is the norm. Buyers still value:

• Fast broadband
• Energy-efficient homes
• Access to nature
• Space for remote working

The market itself has stabilised. After a post-pandemic boom, house prices have levelled out. Regional differences are more pronounced, and demand remains high in areas offering value and lifestyle perks.

FAQs

Q: Is the stamp duty holiday still available?
A: No, it ended in September 2021. However, first-time buyer reliefs and regional schemes still exist.

Q: Can I still apply for a mortgage holiday?
A: Not in the same way as during the pandemic, but lenders may offer help if you’re in difficulty. Always talk to them early.

Q: Should I wait to buy until interest rates fall?
A: Timing the market is tricky. Buy when you’re financially ready, and always stress-test your budget for rate rises.

Q: What if I’m struggling to pay rent now?
A: Speak to your landlord. Explore support like Universal Credit or council assistance. Don’t ignore the problem.

Q: Are there any pandemic protections still in place?
A: Most temporary protections have ended, but the market and consumer behaviours have changed permanently — and some of those changes work in your favour.

Need more advice?

We’re still here to help you navigate the post-pandemic property landscape. Whether you’re buying, selling or renting, our expert advice is just a click away.

Want to stay ahead? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed on property trends, tips and expert insights from Phil Spencer himself.

Last Updated: October 29th, 2025