Can I move house in Wales during the coronavirus lockdown?
As the housing market is re-opened in England allowing people to rent, buy, let and sell properties, the Welsh Government has said "it is not the right time" to do the same in Wales.
Estate agents' offices opened their doors in England from Wednesday following a strict lockdown, and property viewings are allowed as well as other essential parts of the sales and letting process.
According to property website Zoopla, around 373,000 property transactions across the UK, with a total value of £82 billion, have been put on hold due to coronavirus lockdown measures.
As the restrictions were lifted in England on Wednesday, Rightmove reported a 45% surge in online viewings.
But during the Senedd's plenary session, Mark Drakeford said it was the government's view that is is "not the right point" to open up the property market.
I want to buy a new house - can I attend a viewing?
The current guidance states no viewings of properties should take place during the current lockdown in Wales.
Mark Drakeford said, "We took the view that allowing people to walk around other people's houses in order to open the property market—that this was not the right point in the cycle to do that in Wales. That remains our view."
I am in the middle of buying/selling a house - what should I do?
According to the latest regulations on the Welsh Government website, you are permitted to move house, but you should not do it if it can be postponed.
Economy Minister Ken Skates MS was asked to clarify the government's position in a press conference on Wednesday.
He said, “People must observe the regulations that have been published, as much as the legal sector is operating so exchanges can take place, it is difficult to view properties where space within flats or houses is confined.
"If you cannot abide by social distancing, you cannot carry out viewings. Our message to people right now is that unless it is essential... you should not be doing it.”