This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Victorian government will relax restrictions sooner than expected with the real estate sector, development project and display home sales offices allowed to reopen on Monday.
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed Melbourne will enter the second step towards reopening after average case numbers fell to 22.1 compared to more than 400 during the peak.
Furthermore, the premier said the third and last steps will no longer be defined by dates in the calendar, rather it will be determined by “trigger point” for review by the public health team based on case number targets.
Subject to public health advice, if there are less than an average of five daily cases state-wide over 14-day period and less than five of unknown transmission, Victoria move into the step around October 19.
Andrews yesterday announced further easing of restrictions which will pave the way for 127,000 people to return to work. The workforce limits for some industries will be expanded including:
- Supermarkets and food distribution centres will return to full capacity,
- Abattoirs, seafood and meat processing plants will also increase,
- Manufacturing can return with up to 90% of its workforce.
- Sole traders doing outside gardening and landscaping can return. Retail pet grooming will also resume.
For the real estate sector, private inspections can resume for purchase or leasing of properties whilst auctions must be held remotely.
Display homes and land sales offices as well as apartment display suites can resume by appointment with one agent and one prospective purchaser.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has welcomed the announcement. It said although virtual auctions and inspections were permitted, the reality is that most people will not purchase or lease a property without seeing it in person.
The institute said relaxing of the restrictions will see a slow and gradual return to real estate transactions in Melbourne.
“Being able to inspect properties in a private and safe manner will enable on-line auctions and private sales to return,”
The REIV said the ban on inspections has had a significant impact on the property market. Spring is usually the peak time for sales however the inability to conduct any inspections saw the number of transactions plummet. The number of auctions over August was down by over 80% compared to recent years, with September numbers reduced to under 10 per week.
REIV President Leah Calnan said: “It is encouraging to see that the plight of many Victorians who were unable to make decisions about their own property has been reconsidered by the government.”
“This decision is recognition that the real estate profession can be trusted to conduct inspections in a safe and responsible manner. We have done so previously, and will continue to do so for the benefit of all Victorians.”
