There has been a return to stricter controls on Victoria’s property agents as a result of the re-emergence of COVID-19 in Melbourne over the past week. This is a timely reminder for us all that this issue has not been put to rest.
With the property market currently so buoyant, there are many more potential buyers coming through open homes and attending auctions. To avoid the Victorian- style restrictions being imposed in NSW, it is critical that agents remain vigilant and compliant with the current social distancing requirements.
The NSW Government relaxed the restrictions imposed as part of the initial shutdown, enabling agents the ability to conduct open homes and auctions,” says REINSW’s CEO Tim McKibbin. “To protect consumers and continue enjoying these concessions, it is important that all agents not only comply with the minimum requirements, but also embrace the spirit of these consumer protection measures.”
“The Victorian experience is a pertinent reminder for all NSW agents to stay vigilant. The ability for agents to hold open homes and onsite auctions is a valuable concession, not a right. If we don’t have agents complying with the COVID-19 restrictions, then a removal of the concessions and a return to more draconian measures is likely. As has been demonstrated in Victoria over the past week, the ability to carry on showing homes and conducting auctions is a concession that can be taken away at a moment’s notice,” says Mr McKibbin.
“The NSW community has done the right thing and by doing the right thing we have this virus in a manageable state. However, the Victorian experience shows just how easily COVID-19 can re-emerge and the problems that creates for the property industry. If this were to happen in NSW it would mean the relaxed social distancing requirements that we are currently enjoying could be reversed.”
REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin is available for comment.
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Jessica Husband + 61 423 724 080 | [email protected]
About REINSW
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) is the peak industry body for real estate agents and property professionals in NSW. It represents more than 2000 agencies across residential sales, property management, commercial, strata management, buyers’ agency, agency services and auctioneering.
Established in 1910, REINSW works to improve the standards, professionalism and expertise of its members to continually evolve and innovate the industry. It lobbies the government and industry on behalf of members, develops new products and services to benefit agencies and professionals, and offers training and ongoing professional development. For more information, visit reinsw.com.au.