Hygiene rules for viewing properties

What are the safety measures for viewing Portuguese homes post-COVID 19 lockdowns?

Well, our recommendation is that you use common sense. You will be exposing yourself to a place that is likely to have not been deep cleaned so it is not the same as going to a restaurant for example. You need masks and gloves and handwash.

The following rules, proposed by the Portuguese Real Estate Professionals and Brokers Association (also called APEMIP) should be applied by your real estate agent or practised if self-promoting your property.

Do wear a mask and gloves. Masks and gloves are being sold in Portuguese supermarkets.

Do avoid social contact and do not shake hands with the real estate agent or the vendors.

Do use your own vehicle to follow the real estate agent to the house.

Do not travel in the real estate agents vehicle.

Do limit numbers during internal viewings. Don't exceed more than two adults at the same time.

Do stay 2 meters away from the real estate agent and the vendors.

Do ensure conversations take place outside of the property as much as possible.

Do wait to enter the home until the real estate agent has fully opened the home and invites you to come in. 

Don't touch any surfaces when viewing the property.

Do ask if you can take pictures to discuss later.

If you are a couple, we recommend viewing the property one at a time with the real estate agent, taking notes on each room and then conversing with your partner outside the property.

Most of all, do wash your hands when you return home.

There are also many properties now displaying virtual reality to give you a better understanding of how the property flows. You can also ask the vendor to provide a digital floorplan in order that you see the layout before making a decision to view.

Vendors can obtain floorplans here at KipperTree.

Happy, safe house hunting.