The government has taken the unprecedented step of effectively suspending the housing market to uphold coronavirus social distancing rules.

New guidance issued by the ministry of housing last night instructs estate agents to work remotely, prohibits homeowners from allowing buyers to visit their home, and advises people to delay moving “where possible”.

The ministry said: “You can speak to estate agents over the phone and they will be able to give you general advice about the local property market and handle certain matters remotely but they will not be able to start actively marketing your home in the usual manner.”

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