Following Auckland's move to an alert level three lockdown and the rest of the country being put on alert level two, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand has outlined what buyers and sellers can expect over the coming days.
Bindi Norwell, REINZ chief executive, encouraged all those who are buying and selling right now to remind themselves of the guidelines that were in play the last time the country and the housing market were under Covid-19 restrictions.
She said REINZ would be seeking guidance from the relevant Government departments around the use of masks at alert level two and three. "However, it is our understanding that legislation regarding mask use still needs to be written. We will then update our members accordingly," she said.
“Whilst there has been no suggestion from the Prime Minister that we are moving towards a level four lockdown, it would also be prudent for people to prepare should this be an eventuality.
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“As a profession, we’ve been through this before and we’ll get through this again. Key is being able to move forward is to adhere to the rules and stay safe at all times."
Here are the REINZ guidelines for alert level three:
1. Auctions
No physical auctions. All auctions need to be conducted online or via phone bidding.
2. Open homes and inspections
Open homes are prohibited and private viewings are strictly by appointment only and with the consent of the client and property occupants/tenants. There is a maximum of two viewings per property per day and a maximum of two people from an "extended bubble" can attend the viewing.
Physical distancing of two metres to be observed at all times and only one real estate agent can attend the viewing. The viewing must be contactless meaning that the agent should open any doors/cupboards. Attendees must be pre-registered
3. Pre-settlement inspections
These can take place following the guidelines for private viewings.
4. Moving house
Settlements and moving house can occur. REINZ is currently awaiting guidance whether inter-regional moves can occur.
5. Appraisals and listings
Appraisals must be carried out remotely where possible. If an appraisal cannot be carried out remotely, licencees may briefly visit homes to conduct appraisals with the permission of the client/s (and tenant/s if the property is tenanted). Only one licencee to attend the property. Discussions regarding the agency agreement, marketing and listing process must occur via telephone/ virtual methods only, not in person. Photography and videography to be carried out remotely by the client where possible.
6. Mailbox drops
Agents should not use letterbox drops to market a property for sale.
REINZ chief executive Bindi Norwell says Kiwis will get through this crisis if they adhere to the rules. Photo / Supplied
The guidelines for alert level two:
1. Auctions
These can take place, but physical distancing of two metres must be maintained at all times. No more than 100 people may attend an auction in total.
2. Open homes
These can take place provided contact tracing systems are in place and physical distancing (two metres between bubbles) is observed.
3. Pre-settlement inspections
These can take place ensuring physical distancing is observed.
4. Moving house
Settlements and moving house can occur
5. Appraisals and listings
Agents may visit properties to carry out appraisals and listings provided they can do so safely (e.g. physical distancing (2m minimum) can be maintained at all times, hygiene etiquette is adhered to. If visiting the property, the permission of tenants is required where the property is tenanted. Tenant permission cannot be unreasonably withheld, per the Residential Tenancies Act. Discussions regarding the agency agreement, marketing and listing process may occur in-person provided physical distancing is maintained at all times. Photography/videography may occur provided physical distancing is maintained at all times. Home staging is allowed.
