The island’s buoyant housing market has been put on hold due to the extended lockdown.

Homebuyers who exchanged contracts just before lockdown have been allowed to complete during the circuit-breaker, under strict social-distancing rules.

But for those who missed the March 4 cut-off, completion has not generally been possible.

There may be some flexibility if the property being purchased is empty but the advice is still to defer the move until restrictions are lifted.

The government has indicated that it will be on or around April 19 before there is a broader reopening of the economy, including the housing market.

Chrystals chairman Shane Magee said: ’There is no doubt, for many people the lockdown has meant that movement has been put on hold, until restrictions are lifted.’

Government Covid restrictions do allow for house moves where it is ’reasonably necessary to avoid financial detriment for failing to comply with a contractual obligation or a term of a mortgage offer’.

But its general advice is for homebuyers and renters, where possible, to delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus.

Its advice reads: ’Where contracts have been exchanged, parties should try to agree to delay in the physical element of the house move.

’If there is a contractual obligation to complete your move, which was agreed before March 4 and it is not possible to delay, house moves can take place but only in accordance with strict social-distancing measures.

’This includes not gathering in groups, keeping 2m away from other people and wearing masks.’

House removal companies can still operate where a house move cannot be deferred and the buyers have a contractual obligation to complete a house sale or to leave a property.

Removal firms staff must wear appropriate PPE and practice social distancing.

House viewings cannot take place, although some estate agents are offering virtual viewings.

Mr Magee said: ’From a general estate agency point of view we have not been able to visit any properties to undertake viewings or listings during lockdown.

’Any listings that have been undertaken are on properties where we previously held details and photographs or the vendor was able to provide us with necessary images.

’We expect to be busy when allowed back to work and will have a backlog of listings and sales going through the system.’

He said the property market remains robust with many applicants chasing the same property.