- Much of the country is under a lockdown or significant restrictions
- REIA President reminds agents and agencies to remain vigilant
- Inspections and auctions are either not allowed or subject to strict density quotients
With most jurisdictions in the country either in lockdown or under significant restrictions, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has urged all real estate agencies to remain vigilant of the situation.
Adrian Kelly, REIA President, noted that real estate agents and agencies have followed rules from the outset of the pandemic last year with no community transmission to date occurring “on our watch”.
“COVID-19 has been a roller coaster time for property agents, investors and tenants so we are encouraging all to look after yourselves and each other and consult with your Institute should you need anything at all.,” said Mr Kelly.
“While the real estate industry has benefitted from strong property growth during the pandemic, it has not been without its challenges and we continue to provide support and guidance to help real estate agents and agencies protect their clients and community.”
Adrian Kelly, REIA President
The REIA is a federated body of State and Territory Real Estate Territory Institutes that represent around 85% of all Australian real estate agencies. The wider industry consists of 46,793 businesses that employ a total of 133,360 Australians, according to the REIA.
Are home opens and inspections allowed?
In Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, in-person auctions are forbidden. Open inspections of properties are generally not allowed, however, inspections may be conducted by private appointment for one person only.
In Victoria, auctions and inspections are permitted, subject to a 1 person per 4sqm density quotient. Face masks must be work indoors and are recommended when physical distancing cant be maintained outside. The same applies to both open and routine inspections.
In Queensland, house inspections and auctions allowed with a density quotient of 1 person per 2 square metres were allowed as of this morning, however, this will not be allowed for the local council areas that are going into lockdown tonight.
In Western Australia, house inspections and auctions are not allowed due to the sudden 4-day lockdown. Real estate agents are not considered essential workers by the WA government.
In South Australia, “auctions and inspections of premises for the purpose of sale or rental of any property” are subject to the density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm.
House auctions and inspections in Tasmania are also subject to the 1 person per 2 square metre rule.
In the Northern Territory, inspections and auctions aren’t allowed as these occupations aren’t deemed essential work.
In the ACT, each “venue” – which covers auctions, display homes and open home inspections according to the Territory government – can have 25 people across the venue.
Given the situation is quickly evolving, please note this information is subject to change after publication. Please check with your relevant State/Territory government or Department of Commerce website or with the appropriate Real Estate Institute.
