Each of Australia's states and territories have established their own roadmap back to some semblance of normality in the real estate industry. 

Each real estate industry association discusses with WILLIAMS MEDIA how that affects their members and obviously their clients and where their state/territory is at.

At a Glance:

• Victoria onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions from May 13
• Queensland onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions from May 15
• Northern Territory onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions since May 8
• New South Wales onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions since May 8
• South Australia onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions since May 8
• Australian Capital Territory onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions since May 8
• Tasmania onsite auctions and open homes with restrictions from May 18

Victoria

Real Estate Institute of Victoria President Leah Calnan has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to allow on-site property auctions and open for inspections in Victoria with restrictions.

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Leah Calnan, president REIV. Photo: REIV

The State Government has announced their plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria from which included property auctions and open for inspections can return as of 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.

REIV President Leah Calnan told WILLIAMS MEDIA the real estate sector is 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.” said Ms Calnan.

“The REIV encourages all members to download the COVIDSafe App and implement strong safety protocols as we begin our return to work routines.

"In addition, the REIV recommends that 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.

“Online auctions have worked well over the last few weeks and we encourage members to use this 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”.

New South Wales

REINSW president Leanne Pilkington said feedback from agents has been positive since restrictions have been eased for auctions and open homes from May 8.

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Leanne Pilkington, president, REINSW. Photo: REINSW

"It was a really busy weekend for auctions, although there were small numbers which is not a surprise for auctions whose campaigns started over the Easter break," said Ms Pilkington.

"It will be interesting to see what next week brings.

"We have alot of active buyres but not alot of stock, as people are saying they want to sell in Spring, but I think it's better to sell when there is less competition."

Ms Pilkington said social distancing restrictions still apply to the point where they have suggested to their members that only registered bidders, the agents and home owners attend an on-site auction.

"Having the auction in the backyard, rather than the front yard to discourage neighbours coming to watch, are just some of the suggestions," said Ms Pilkington.

"Agents are valuing the opportunity to be back out there and selling."

Queensland

"With a further easing of restrictions set to be introduced from Friday (15th May) at midnight across Queensland, groups of up to 10 people at a time including a real estate agent will be permissible to attend open home inspections this weekend, adhering to strict social distancing and hygiene requirements," said Antonia Mercorella, CEO, REIQ to WILLIAMS MEDIA.

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Antonia Mercorella, CEO, REIQ. Photo: REIQ 

"Queensland Health will also be allowing live auctions to take place with up to 10 people as well.

"However, we are currently seeking clarity regarding the composition of the group – does it include or exclude the auctioneer, real estate agent and other support staff required to conduct an auction as well as the property owners?

"Furthermore, does the introduction of auctions cover both in-room and outdoor auctions held on the property?

"As an essential service, it’s important we have complete clarity around the re-introduction of auctions to ensure all real estate professionals continue to operate under the guidelines as they have done so well to date."

Ms Mercorella said with real estate professionals responsibly following the directions issued by Queensland Health to date, they’ve naturally expressed the need for clarity regarding each stage of the easing of restrictions.

"As the peak body, the REIQ has proactively worked with the Department of Health and the Office of Fair Trading to ensure we’re able to provide an accurate interpretation of each direction issued by Queensland Health for real estate professionals to follow accordingly," said Ms Mercorella.

“With the Queensland Government’s current COVID-19 timeline for the easing of trading and social restrictions providing all Queenslanders with a guide over the next three months, we anticipated the Queensland real estate industry will see a return to non-restrictive trade by mid-July as currently forecast.

"It’s important that we all follow the strict guidelines issued by Queensland Health to ensure the safety of everyone in Queensland as well as to prevent a second wave of the pandemic from occurring.” 

South Australia

President Brett Roenfeldt discusses the lifting of restrictions regarding on-site auctions with deputy president Andrew Shields in the following video:

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory was the first jurisdiction to ‘re-open’ real estate activity.  

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Quentin Kilian, CEO,  REINT. Photo: REINT

"Our Government gave the green-light for Home Opens and Auctions to recommence on Friday 8 May," said Quentin Kilian, CEO, REINIT to WILLIAMS MEDIA

"There are no limits on the amount of people allowed to attend these activities, however agents must still ensure appropriate social distancing is in place and that hygiene on site is maintained.

"The weekend markets were allowed to open on 8 May, again with appropriate social distancing measure…and it was a successful re-opening."

Mr Kilian said the Territory market has remained quite strong through the COVID-19 crisis.

"In fact we have seen a solid pickup in rental and sales enquiries," said Mr Kilian.

"The current issue facing agents is the lack of listings.  

"A number of vendors have either removed or held back on listing their property during the crisis over concerns about the buyer market diminishing.  

"This was actually an unfounded fear as the enquiry rate remained quite strong.  

"Now that we have seen restrictions lifted we are starting to see vendors returning to the market."

Mr Kilian said for the Northern Territory there is a feeling that this a great opportunity to showcase the best value buying in the country and the highest yields of any Australian capital city.

Australian Capital Territory

Stan Platis, Deputy President of the REIACT told WILLIAMS MEDIA restrictions were eased for open homes and on-site auctions on Friday 8th May 2020 by the ACT Government effective at midnight.

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Stan Platis, Deputy President, REIACT. Photo: REIACT

Mr Platis said Access Canberra provided the following guidance:

Auctions

• Agents should continue to use online and virtual auctions if there are concerns that the maximum of 10 people excluding staff limit cannot be guaranteed for an on-site auction.
• Auctions must continue to adhere to social distancing requirements – maintaining 1.5 meters distance, and no more than 1 person per 4 square meters.
• Outdoor auctions should be preferred.
• The maximum 10 person limit excludes staff (such as agent, auctioneer, bid record keeper).

Open houses

• Agents are encouraged to take bookings for open houses to ensure that the maximum of 10 people excluding staff is adhered to.
• Agents are responsible for managing the maximum of 10 people excluding staff limit at open houses, while maintaining at least 1.5 metres distance, and no more than 1 person per 4 square meters.
• The maximum 10 person limit excludes staff.

There are still requirements around physical distancing which is hte four square metres per person or a spacing of 1.5 metres between people.

Hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing and sanitisation continues to be critical.

"Unfortunately, due to the timing, many members were unable to implement any changes as advertising could not be changed, so we will have to wait until this weekend to see buyer activity levels," said Mr Platis.

"The ACT Government has advised that restrictions would be reviewed every three weeks."

Western Australia

Damian Collins, president of REIWA told WILLIAMS MEDIA home opens started up again from  27th April.

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Damian Collins, president, REIWA. Photo: REIWA

"There is a limit of 10 people and everyone must register," said Mr Collins.

"Hand sanitiser is provided and everyone must keep a social distance.

"From Monday 18th May, it will increase to 20 people at a time with the same rules as above.

"Onsite auctions are still prohibited but hopefully will be allowed in the next wave of relaxation planned for June."

Mr Collins said agents were reporting moderate crowds in the first weekend of easing restrictions but the second week was very busy.

"Sales in Perth are higher than the same time last year," said Mr Collins.

"We had 527 last week, in early April we got as low as 280.

"Perth seems to be bouncing back quickly.

"We have a shortage of supply and in fact the numbers of property for sale and lease were already low coming in to COVID-19 and are now even lower.

"There is a sense of optimism returning in the market."

Mr Collins said WA has done a great job in reducing the spread of the disease, which is why they are opening up earlier.

"People are feeling much more confident than they were a month ago," said Mr Collins.

"Ultimately it will depend on how much we can continue to contain the virus and people being comfortable with the “new norm” but I hope by August we will be close to normal.

"I don’t think there will be a “back to completely normal” until a vaccine is discovered."

Tasmania

From 18th May open homes and auctions may resume face-to-face operation with a maximum of 10 attendees (not including staff), Mark Berry, CEO, REIT told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

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Mark Berry, CEO, REIT. Photo: REIT

"This maximum number of attendees applies to indoor and outdoor areas," said Mr Berry.

"Real estate agents must ensure that, in any given space, there is enough room to allow for four square metres per person, and that attendees maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. 

"The names and contact details of each client who attend an open home or auction must be recorded, to assist in contact tracing if required and a high standard of hand hygiene and environmental cleaning to be maintained."

By 15th June open homes and auctions may increase total number of attendees to 20 (not including staff).

"The general consensus from agents is good," said Mr Berry.

"Listings are tightening up but the sales are still happening and there are a number of buyers that are looking.

"It appears business confidence in Tasmania is still very good and the government appear to have a strong approval rating by industry for their management during this crisis."

Mr Berry said normality for the industry will be dictated to by COVID-19 and no further outbreaks.

"To date Tasmania has fared relatively well with the exception of the North West Coast where tighter restrictions were put into place due to the outbreak in the hospitals," said Mr Berry.

"This has now been brought under control but it serves as a timely reminder of just how rapid things can go from good to bad."

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