Brenda Hemphill of Ringwood has bone marrow cancer.

The 70-year-old is a Ray White customer who has been affected by the Stage 4 restrictions laid on the Victorian real estate industry by the state government.

Ms Hemphill needs to find a rental property to move into on September 25.

“I have to be out of the house by September 25 as my husband’s business went bankrupt and forced the sale,” said Mrs Hemphill, who recently sold her unit at auction through Ray White Ringwood.

“I have bone marrow cancer and need to stay close to the hospital for treatments.

“I cannot go and view any rental properties.

"I am imploring Dan Andrew to make life a bit easier for us as not everything is around the corner to get the things we need.”

Voices across the community, including the real estate industry, have labelled the Victorian government’s roadmap plan out of COVID-19 lockdown, as disproportionate, alarmist and short sighted. 

Victorian Government decisions:

• Eviction moratorium extended to March 28, 2021
• Rental increases banned for the same period
• Dispute resolution over rent reduction can register with Consumer Affairs Victoria
• Private inspections of properties will not be allowed until 26 October, 2020

While the health and safety of the community is a priority and the roadmap out of the lockdown must ensure safety of all Victorians, the REIV claims the path proposed jeopardises livelihoods and assets of hard-working Victorians who have abided by the rules and restrictions for over six months.

The REIV states, pushing the Victorian economy to the brink of collapse cannot be the only method of preventing the spread of coronavirus.

The industry body for Victoria's real estate sector has criticised the lack of genuine consultation by government with business saying consultations were initiated only a few days leading up to the announcement.

A large number of representatives in each meeting ensured that while procedure requirements were met, no genuine feedback was gathered or implemented.

The irreversible impact of these decisions on the mental and financial well-being of ordinary people is being ignored.

People who have saved and invested in an asset like property are unable to sell it to tide over these difficult times.

“In effect, if you have worked hard to save and purchase property, the Andrew government is punishing you for being financially responsible," said REIV CEO Gil King.

“It is mind boggling that the government is asking people to withdraw from their superannuation to fund their living costs but won’t let them sell their property for the same purpose. Wasn’t super supposed to be your retirement fund?”

The REIV claim the lack of understanding by the Victorian government regarding the operations of the real estate sector is evidenced in almost every facet of the way which it has handled the restrictions and the moratorium.

In its efforts to protect the most vulnerable of tenants, the Andrews’ Government has not only caused them long-term harm but has also allowed many who are not suffering COVID-related financial stress to profit from the moratorium.

“These decisions compound the financial stress on Victorians and the Victorian economy and do nothing to help those suffering during these difficult times," said REIV president Leah Calnan.

“We have cases being reported every day where people need to sell their property to get through these financial challenging times, and they can’t do so because the government won’t allow even a one-on-one inspection.”

Peter Kakos, Managing Director of The Agency told WILLIAMS MEDIA the state government's decision was met with confusion and bewilderment as to how this made any logical sense.

"To understand the real estate industry and the idiosyncrasies of selling property is to appreciate more property is sold as a need as opposed to a want," said Mr Kakos.

"Needs being of typically unpleasant scenarios such as severe illness, divorce, financial hardship and unemployment. 

"I also question the thought process around the announcement with the apparent disregard of the efforts made by agents and leasing consultants to implement strict hygiene and safety measures in lockdown and adhere to necessary guidelines.  

"A lot of these initiatives were taken up even without government request and ruling.  

"The incredible responsibility the industry took upon itself to ensure we maintained social distancing, completely sanitised properties in addition to gloves, masks being worn at all inspections."

Mr Kakos said the consequences were, as far as he knew, there were no COVID cases reported, no clusters and no spread.

"To be able to conduct a one-on-one private inspection utilising these safety measures in a home where the vendors are not present makes logical sense," said Mr Kakos.

"Restricting people of the ability to fulfil one of the human needs of shelter does not. 

"In addition, the ripple effect to so many other supporting professions to the real estate industry like stylists, photographers, videographers, floor plan artists are immense and these are all services that can be contact free."

Dan White, Managing Director of the Ray White Group,  is asking the Victorian Government to reconsider its ban on private inspections.

“Private inspections alone will enable the industry to safely serve its customers and ensure that the most important financial transactions of their lives can be undertaken without further delays,” said Mr White.

“Many of our customers often need to move properties for fundamental reasons – be it illness, divorce or other hardships like unemployment.

"It’s been distressing to listen to the feedback from customers now facing significant financial consequences as a result of these restrictions.

“It makes absolutely no sense to forbid private inspections when you compare the safe environment we can create compared to the activities that are being allowed."

Ray White say they have been inundated with calls from customers, such as Ms Hemphill, who are distraught at the prospect of further significant delays  in the marketing and sales of their properties.

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