Following the updated guidance from the government, The Hill Group has started a phased reopening of its marketing suites and show homes, with the majority to be open by 29th May for pre-booked appointments only.
The sales teams have remained open for business since the lockdown was enforced, using digital platforms to conduct face to face meetings with potential buyers and conducting virtual viewings. Hill remains committed to investing in innovative sales technologies across their developments and continues to actively encourage customers to contact their sales teams digitally.
Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Hill, comments: “We have been open for business throughout the lockdown period, taking reservations and completing sales. Following Government advice, we are reopening our sales and marketing suites and show homes. The health and safety of our customers and employees is paramount and we are implementing a stringent set of protocols to ensure social distancing is observed and Government guidance is followed.
“Over the past two months, the sales process has undergone a digital revolution, and we have used this time to invest in some fantastic new technology to increase our online capabilities. We are encouraging our customers to continue to contact us digitally. Customers will now have the opportunity once more to visit our properties and the new measures we have introduced will enable them to do so safely.”
The entire homebuying process can happen remotely: from registering your interest, virtual guided tours of the properties and live Q&A functionality, through to reservation of purchase via a digitalised sales platform which tracks the progress of your sale and stores the relevant documentation. HM Land Registry has also given its approval for all property deeds to be transferred and signed remotely. During the moving process, Hill is working with customers, staff and removal companies to ensure a seamless and safe handover which follows the clear advice outlined by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government.
To prioritise the wellbeing of customers, employees, subcontractors and local communities, Hill will enforce new stringent health and safety protocols across the business. These include enhanced training for staff, marker guides for social distancing, rigorous cleaning regimes and an internal video which details how to conduct viewings while maintaining social distancing. Staff who feel they are unable to return to the workplace, those who are vulnerable or shielding the vulnerable, can remain working remotely, supporting the digital sales service.
During the crisis, Hill has continued to support the communities where they are working, with many employees undertaking voluntary work and The Group donating all of the surplus PPE from their sites to local hospitals.
Construction on Hill’s development sites has been slowly increasing and now all sites are operational and observing strict social distancing and enhanced health and safety protocols, in line with UK Government and Construction Leadership Council advice.
