PHOTO: REINZ
REINZ MEDIA RELEASE
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement last night that as of midday today Auckland will go into Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country will move into Alert Level 2, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has outlined what buyers and sellers can expect from midday today and over the coming days.
Wider Auckland Region
- Auctions – all auctions will need to be conducted online or via phone bidding
- Open Homes – cannot be held. Instead, 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 2m to be observed at all times. Only one licensee (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
- Pre-settlement inspections – can take place and the guidelines for private viewings should be adhered to
- Moving house – settlements and moving house can occur. We are currently awaiting guidance whether inter-regional moves can occur
- Appraisals & 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/s where possible
- Mailbox drops – agents should not use letterbox drops to market a property for sale
Rest of New Zealand
- Auctions – can proceed, but physical distancing of 2m must be maintained at all times. No more than 100 people may attend an auction in total
- Open Homes – can take place provided contact tracing systems are in place and physical distancing (2m between bubbles) is observed
- Pre-settlement inspections – can take place ensuring physical distancing is observed
- Moving house – settlements and moving house can occur
- Appraisals & listings – licensees 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.
Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at REINZ says: “We’re encouraging everyone who is buying, selling or just thinking about buying or selling to remind themselves of the specific details in guidelines depending on where they are in the country.
“We will be seeking guidance from the relevant Government departments around the use of masks at Alert Level 2 and Alert Level 3, however, it is our understanding that legislation regarding mask use still needs to be written. We will then update our members accordingly.
“Whilst there has been no suggestion from the Prime Minister that we are moving towards a Level 4 lockdown, it would also be prudent for people to prepare should this be an eventuality.
“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.
ENDS
