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

Estate Agent Talk

What to know when buying land

The closure of UK Land & Farms (UKLAF) has left a significant gap in the UK’s specialist land market with buyers and sellers now forced to adapt after 18 years of relying on UKLAF as the cornerstone of the industry. As interest in land continues to grow, the company says the closure also serves as…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Tenant demand strong, landlord supply shrinking

New RICS data shows tenant demand at its strongest in over a year – while landlord supply keeps shrinking. That’s not bad luck. It’s a trust problem, and it’s fixable. “These numbers should be good news for landlords. Demand is the strongest it’s been in over a year. Instead, they are deciding to head for…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Why Join a Letting Agents Association?

Why Every Letting Agent Should Join a Professional Body The lettings industry continues to evolve, with new legislation, increasing compliance requirements and higher expectations from landlords and tenants alike. For letting agents, staying informed and operating to recognised professional standards has never been more important. Joining a letting agents association provides far more than a membership…
Read More
Breaking News

House price growth remained subdued in July

UK annual house price growth slowed to 1.8% in July, from 2.2% in June House prices were up 0.1% month on month Average time in a home is 14 years: 24 years for those owning outright and 5 years in private rented sector Three quarters of moves were within same tenure type in 2024/25 Headlines…
Read More
Breaking News

Rent hikes and tighter tenant checks as landlord costs climb

Rising costs are prompting 63% of professional landlords to raise rents, prioritise lower-risk tenants and reassess portfolios Renters face a more expensive and more selective rental market as professional property investors respond to re-emergence of realistic gilt yields, rising operating costs and regulatory change by increasing rents and reassessing tenant risk and selection criteria, according…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

North-South divide for time to move as Londoners see longest wait

New analysis reveals a north-south divide in the time it takes to move home: In London it takes 174 days on average to go from agreeing a sale to completing a move, whereas it takes 141 days in the North East Scotland is the fastest part of Great Britain at 98 days, due to the…
Read More