Auctions get the nod from state government

REAL Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) president Leah Calnan has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to allow on-site property auctions and open for inspections to return with restrictions.
On Monday, the state government announced their plans to ease coronavirus restrictions in Victoria, which included the welcome news that property auctions and open for inspections can return as of yesterday (Wednesday, May 13).
Both on-site property auctions and open for inspections will be restricted to 10 people in addition to staff required to facilitate the auction or inspection. The contact details of attendees will also be recorded.
Ms Calnan said the real estate sector was prepared to take the measures necessary to assist with a safe return to business.
“The real estate sector has adapted extremely well during this pandemic, while restrictions are being lifted, the threat of Coronavirus remains and it is imperative that we continue to run auctions safely and responsibly.” Ms Calnan said.
Hayeswinckle Drysdale sales consultant Michaela Miller said the softening of restrictions was “definitely” the best news, and the news the industry had been waiting on.
“We conducted our last open home on the evening prior to open homes ceasing so it’s been a long seven weeks.
“Resuming open homes will start to bring back consumer confidence in the marketplace.
“Conducting open homes again from this weekend, matched with great sales that we have done since ‘lockdown’, goes to show that the property market is still buoyant, with plenty of qualified buyers who need to buy now.
“It’ll be fantastic to see more activity over the weekends, while of course still adhering to social distancing rules.
“This is the light that all agents have been waiting for; definitely a win for the local market.”
The REIV is encouraging all members to download the COVIDSafe app and implement strong safety protocols as they begin to return to work routines.
In addition, the REIV recommends all individuals attending an open or auction should also download the app, provide contact details to the agent and follow social distancing measures as required.
Ms Calnan said online auctions had worked well over the past few weeks and encouraged members to use them as an additional channel for wider engagement.
“Having public auctions will inspire increased confidence in our economy, auctioneers across the state are looking forward to getting back to what they do best.
“We are very excited about auctions coming back, the real estate sector is prepared to do the right thing to ensure auctions and open for inspections are run safely.”