The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand has issued detailed rules for buyers, sellers, renters and agents during Alert Level 3.
These guidelines have been signed off by the Government, and REINZ said it had been working closely with the Real Estate Authority, WorkSafe and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Justice to develop them.
They provide the real estate industry with the much-needed clarity after initial statements issued by the Government this week and last.
Open homes cannot be held during Level 3 - which comes into effect on April 28 - but viewings by appointment are permitted, with agents allowed to hold two private viewings a day for properties that are for sale or for rent.
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Two people from an extended bubble can attend a private viewing and agents/property managers must ensure viewing is contactless. To enable this, they will be required to open any doors/ cupboards before the viewing.
Attendees must also wait in their vehicles until the agent/property manager advises they can enter the property, to ensure that there is no contact between attendees.
The rules also make clear that photography or videography can be taken of new listings if it cannot occur remotely.
Bindi Norwell, chief executive of REINZ, said: “We have also had a number of important health and safety aspects clarified that will ensure we are protecting both customers and real estate professionals for as long as Level 3 lasts.
"It’s important that real estate professionals and members of the public work closely to ensure that the guidelines for health and safety are followed and managed effectively to help eradicate Covid-19."
REINZ's full guidelines can be downloaded here.
