Room to move for real estate in Level 3

AUCKLAND: Real estate agents will be able to open their offices when New Zealand relaxes into to a new alert level but open homes and physical auction attendance will remain banned.

Real Estate Institute chief executive Bindi Norwell said clarity had been provided from the Government on Thursday on how the sector could operate during Alert Level 3.

‘‘A real estate agent can open, but people should work from home if they can,’’ Ms Norwell said.

‘‘The agent can enter people’s homes, but not have customers in the office. You cannot run an open home. Similarly, workers going into people’s homes, such as furniture removers, electricians and plumbers, could also return on the basis that distancing is maintained.’’

The institute had worked closely with the sector in the past few weeks to develop guidance on what activity could occur at various levels.

‘‘This guidance was provided to different ministers on April 9 and [the latest] clarifications seem to line up with the material we have prepared,’’ she said.

It was seeking further clarification from ministers to help buyers and sellers.

‘‘We’re also looking for additional clarification around whether private viewings of homes and rental properties are acceptable under Level 3.’’

Rental inspections are banned under the Level 4 alert, meaning managers cannot visit properties.

Ollie Wall, of Wall Real Estate, which specialises in the upper end of the housing market, said it was helpful to know agents could open their offices and enter people’s homes again, provided safe distancing was maintained.

‘‘Unless new information comes to light, we will hit the ground running once we enter Level 3.

‘‘We will be limiting buyers to two members of the same bubble and one agent per appointment,’’ he said of physical home visits.

‘‘We will supply hand sanitiser and encourage purchasers to use this when entering and exiting the property as well as asking them not to touch anything in the homes.’’

The agency’s approach had always been extremely targeted and those who visited a property were vetted in advance.

‘‘We’ve usually been in phone contact numerous times and are already very likely buyers before visiting by appointment,’’ Mr Wall said.

The agency would make a few other small changes including more photos and information online, including floor plans ‘‘which we don’t often share online for privacy reasons’’.

Chris Dibble, of Colliers International, said that business was hoping for further information from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, REINZ and the Property Council. — The New Zealand Herald