Victoria is the first state to declare a State of Emergency which will help to provide the Chief Health Officer with the powers he needs to enforce 14-day isolation requirements for all travellers entering Australia.

It will aslo mean the cancellation of mass gatherings of more than 500 people, as agreed by National Cabinet.

“Make no mistake, the next few weeks and months will be tough for everyone, but we’re doing what is necessary to protect Victorians," said Premier Daniel Andrews.

The State of Emergency starts to today and will be in force for the next four weeks to assist with measures designed to ‘flatten the curve’ of COVID-19 and give the Victorian health system the best chance of managing the virus.

But what will this mean for the Victorian real estate industry?

There are two main areas that are of concern for the industry in relation to the state of emergency:

• Self-isolation for travellers and arrivals from overseas who may be selling their property, inspecting property prior to settlement and or occupying a property requiring inspections. 
• Conferences and awards nights for real estate organisations greater than 500 people, especially if they have people flying in from overseas.

Mark Williams Founder of WILLIAMS MEDIA, publisher of this publication, says the weekend auction clearance rates confirms the health of the Australian property market. Technology will increasingly play a greater role. He shares his insights about practical management strategies for auctions and inspections:

• For auctions, open homes and private inspections hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and spray disinfectants be on hand
• Anybody wishing to bid at Auction but is unable to attend an auction due to self isolation should contact the selling agent to arrange over-the-phone bidding and/or online bidding.
• Conduct additional and early research online for a property to buy or rent and create a short list before conducting physical inspections
• Use Video tours for first round of inspections prior to then attending physical inspections of your short listed properties
• Vendors and buyers should discuss with their agent about video tour options
• Limit physical inspections to highly qualified short lists for the safety and well being of all parties including the agents, vendors and buyers
• Speaking to the agent to discuss your individual interests and needs as a vendor or buyer
• Limit people inspecting properties to decision-makers only.

As CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, Gil King is aware of the concerns raised as Covid-19 continues an infectious journey around the globe.

"The Victorian Real Estate industry is not immune to this global crisis and is strictly following the recommended guidelines to ensure that open house inspections and auctions can continue safely," said Mr King to WILLIAMS MEDIA.

"Hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, rubber gloves and spray disinfectants will be on hand at all upcoming home inspections and auctions across the state.

"Being able to see a home in person is an exciting and vital process in purchasing a property.

"You need to be able to look through all the cupboards freely, go through all the rooms, and be doubly sure that a property is the right one for you."

Mr King said each agency is running under their own set of guidelines, with some having elected to enforce a no handshake policy while others are limiting inspections to one family at a time.

"The Victorian Real Estate sector is a flexible, innovative, and resourceful industry capable of dealing with any problem," said Mr King.

"We have had a solid year for auctions in Victoria, and they continue to go ahead with high interest.

"Anybody interested in an auction that’s feeling unwell should contact the selling agent and make arrangements to stay home and bid over the phone."

Mr King said with many international buyers grounded overseas, thousands of business and real estate transactions have taken place over the phone, email or by video call.

"The Victorian auction market has demonstrated its resilience with auction clearance rates holding firm at 72 per cent," said Mr King.

"869 auctions were held over the weekend, with 625 selling and 244 passed in, 112 of those on a vendor bid."

With interest in Victorian property remaining high, Mr King said real estate agents will be doing their best to meet the needs of their customers safely.

"As always, if a buyer or a seller is looking for objective information on the market or an agency– they should visit reiv.com.au," said Mr King.

Following on from Victoria, the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says a public health emergency will be declared as well in the ACT from today over the spread of coronavirus.

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