Victoria is well into its different stages of lockdown with Melbourne at Stage 4 and the regional areas at Stage 3.

Real Estate

While real estate offices have shut down in metropolitan Melbourne under stage 4 restrictions, people who were due to move home over the next few weeks can still do so.

Leah Calnan, REIV president said the industry has been amazingly agile and adapted to the heavy, but necessary restrictions throughout Victoria.

"They are frustrated as they have done everything right and the restrictions have turned business upside down," said Ms Calnan to WILLIAMS MEDIA.

At a Glance:

• Real estate offices are closed in Stage 4 restrictions
• Essential real estate services for end of lease include final inspections, key collections, final cleaning and for any other services directly related to the settlement of property.  
• Trades people are limiteed to just three sites a week

"We are working through the information sent by the government but it is currently void of clarity.

"There are virtual viewings, however, we are not allowed to work in our offices.

"We can conduct services for property settlement, valuation, pest and building inspections, locksmith and pre-settlement.

"At the end of a lease we can do outgoing cleaning and gardening."

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Gil King, CEO REIV. Photo:REIV

Gil King, CEO, REIV said the sector is prepared to do its part to stop the spread with REIV members putting in place processes like contact-free handover of keys. 

"It is critical that services related to contract settlements end of lease continue as people have significant financial commitments tied to these activities," said Mr King. 

"Any contracted rentals or sales will not be disrupted; new buyers and renters will still be able to get into their new home." 

Mr King said at this stage, new listings will be impacted, but provisions are being discussed with the state government to create provisions that will allow new transactions to proceed safely.

"There are still a few areas where specific clarity is required, such as how an agent should deal with people commencing a new tenancy during this time," said Mr King.

"The REIV is working with government to provide that clarity."

Essential real estate services that continue to be carried out include functions required for the end of a lease, including final inspections, key collections, final cleaning and for any other services directly related to the settlement of property.  

All activities will be compeleted in line with required safety measures.

"Like other industries, real estate businesses will be impacted, but our Members are resolute in doing what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus," said Mr King. 

"Victoria has a strong, robust and resourceful real estate sector, and we will adapt to these restrictions and continue to put roofs over people’s heads safely and reliably. 

“These new directions are only in place until 16th August, the REIV will be closely monitoring the situation and will provide constant feedback to the State Government."

Building

The residential building industry has worked tirelessly to meet government COVID requirements, according to Executive Director HIA Fiona Nield.

“The industry is committed to achieving these goals and to do the best for home buyers," said Ms Nield.

“But with over 60,000 homes under construction across Victoria, including up to 6,000 new homes with their imminent completion now on hold, the stage 4 restrictions risk placing an additional financial and emotional burden on tens of thousands of Victorian families.

“Restrictions on building sites in Victoria that limit trades people to just three sites a week could leave thousands of average Victorians and their families out in the cold during the remaining weeks of winter, and longer.

“The financial stress of extending rental leases, ongoing additional rental costs, mortgage payments for homes unable to reach completion and concerns about work rescheduling once the restrictions pass will test their patience, tolerance and finances."

Ms Nield said with some fine tuning to the stage 4 parameters, the industry will be better positioned to significantly reduce the impact on Victorian families.  

"We look forward to working with the Victorian Government to navigate through the stage 4 restrictions and to reduce the additional significant hardship confronting tens of thousands of Victorian familes," said Ms Nield.

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