Millions of homeowners impacted as Government announces strictest measures yet to enforce social distancing

Over 15million homes could be impacted after the Government announced new rules to enforce social distancing, as large swathes of the nation continue to ignore advice to only leave the house where absolutely necessary, to stay in groups of just two people and to remain two metres apart at all times.

As a result, the Government has taken the radical step to impose a distance of two metres between all terraced and semi-detached homes across the UK in an effort to enforce rules on social distancing and to ensure that those not living in the same property remain at the appropriate distance.

With the terraced and semi-detached homes being the most prominent of all property types across the UK accounting for 28% and 25% of total property stock respectively, research by PropergandaPR shows that this could impact a huge 15,210,187 homes across the UK.

The tough new measures will hit hardest in England where there are some 6.9m terraced homes and 6.1m semi-detached properties, with a further 996,960 homes impacted in Scotland, 794,483 in Wales and 428,744 in Northern Ireland.

It is not yet clear as to how the Government plans to execute this mass movement of properties but the first such movements are expected in a matter of days, with a second phase planned to separate flats potentially in the pipeline.

Co-founder of PropergandaPR, James Lockett, commented:

“A huge step by the Government to really drive home the importance of social distancing and one that will hopefully act as a serious wake-up call for those that continue to ignore advice on the subject.

We’ve seen measures being ramped up over recent weeks and the nation really pull together to fight this outbreak, but unfortunately, a selfish few continue to hold karaoke parties, picnics and more with no regard for others.

With space for housing already a rare commodity and a real need to build more properties this is going to put further strain on the UK housing market and you’d have to be a fool to let things get to this stage. Hopefully, it will have the required impact and we won’t see any further restrictions imposed.”

Property Type
England
Wales
Scotland*
Northern Ireland
UK
% of total
Terraced House
6,857,000
400,820
508,400
227,170
7,993,390
28%
Semi-Detached House
6,133,000
393,663
488,560
201,574
7,216,797
25%
Detached House
4,172,000
316,362
533,200
284,547
5,306,109
18%
Flat
4,867,000
157,465
934,960
85,680
6,046,105
21%
Bungalow
2,142,000
164,623
N/A
N/A
2,306,623
8%
Total
24,171,000
1,431,500
2,480,000
798,971
28,882,471
100%
Scotland has 14,880 properties where the type is classed as ‘unknown’.
Scotland and Northern Ireland data sources do not classify properties as ‘Bungalow’.

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Breaking Property News 3/9/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   The imminent interest rate hike is going to be a real reckoner for property   When interest rates rise again, Britain’s housing market will discover what it is really worth   Thought Leadership by Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR For more than a decade, Britain’s housing…
Read More
Breaking News

Tenancy deposit reform overlooks estimated £750m

As the Government considers reforms to England’s tenancy deposit system, The Letting Partnership is warning that one major question remains almost entirely absent from the debate: what happens to tenancy deposits that are never reclaimed? While current discussions have focused on how deposits should be protected in future, namely custodial vs insured schemes, far less attention…
Read More
Breaking News

Application to offer in 24 hours with new Barclays Fast-Track Remortgage

Barclays launches first-of-its-kind Fast-Track Remortgage, which can provide eligible customers1 a mortgage offer within 24 hours, and completion in as little as five days Research finds those who have switched lenders are twice as likely to find the process difficult compared to those who stayed with their lender (20 per cent vs 10 per cent)…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Mortgage overpayments in a confident market

Financial experts are encouraging homeowners and first-time buyers to take a fresh look at mortgage overpayments as confidence builds in the UK property market and interest rates begin to ease. With major lenders cutting rates, improved loan-to-value options for buyers, and growing optimism in the 2026 market, mortgage overpayments are emerging as a powerful and…
Read More
Breaking News

House price growth remained subdued in August

UK annual house price growth remained broadly stable in August at 1.6% House prices were up 0.2% month on month Headlines Aug-26 Jul-26‡ Monthly Index* 550.1 549.1 Monthly Change* 0.2% -0.1% Annual Change 1.6% 1.4% Average Price (not seasonally adjusted) £275,465 £276,581 * Seasonally adjusted figure (note that monthly % changes are revised when seasonal…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

What Adds Three Weeks to Leasehold Conveyancing?

As government reforms target a four-week reduction in homebuying times, Konnect You analysis points to management packs, extra lease enquiries, third-party responses and title issues as recurring leasehold bottlenecks. The government is targeting a reduction of around four weeks in the homebuying process through reforms published in June 2026. Its roadmap proposes more property information upfront and recognises that leaseholders can face delays…
Read More