Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed that house moves can continue when the next national lockdown begins, but has yet to decide whether estate agent branches can remain open.

The housing market has been excluded from the national lockdown, avoiding a repeat performance of the damage caused during the first lockdown. Although the full details of the lockdown are be revealed later this week, on Saturday Housing minister Robert Jenrick revealed – characteristically on Twitter – that “the housing market will remain open throughout this period. Everyone should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance”.

Letting agents will also still be able to manage their properties because tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, repairers of domestic appliances can enter homes, Jenrick also revealed, adding, “They will need to follow social distancing guidance that has already been published.”

He also later tweeted that renters will be able to move home and that both removal firms and estate agents will be ‘able to operate’ although his press spokesperson would not elaborate on whether branches can remain open and an announcement on this will follow in next few days.