Covid-19 July Lockdown Extended

Written on the 1 July 2021

 

"How the Recent COVID-19 Restrictions Will Affect the NSW's Real Estate Industry"

To limit the spread of the "delta" strain COVID-19 virus, the NSW State Government has placed restrictions. The new restrictions placed will bring a new environment, affecting real estate open homes and auctions.

Restrictions in Greater Sydney

The government has imposed a strict 'stay at home' order if you reside in Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and Shellharbour. By all means, residents must work from home unless a reason to do otherwise is provided. That being said, there will not be open houses for sale and rental properties, and there will not be
in-person auctions.

However, real estate agents can assist their clients by offering some services with some restrictions in place. Those include:
Online auctions - selling agents are allowed to conduct an online auction.
Property appraisal - professionals are allowed to inspect the property for appraisal purposes. However, professionals should minimise physical contact at all times.
Rental inspections - will be conducted according to the COVID-19 safety protocol.
Private inspections - will be conducted to a single person only.

Restrictions in the remainder of NSW

The restrictions discussed above are only imposed for those in the area of Great Sydney. There are restrictions in the remainder of New South Wales; however, property inspections and auctions will still be conducted under certain circumstances.

Restrictions for inspections:
Home inspections are allowed, but subject to the one person per 4sqm density rule, including children.
Masks will be mandatory at all inspections
COVID-19 safety protocol needs to be followed.
Attendees are required to keep a 1.5m distance apart from other buyers.
COVID-19 safety signage will be posted outside the open home.

Restrictions for auctions:
In-person auctions are subject to a density maximum of one person per 4sqm rule, which include children.
Masks are mandatory at auctions, both taking place indoor and outdoor where social distancing is not possible.
According to NSW Public Health Orders, real estate agents need to develop a COVID-19 safety plan.
COVID-19 safety signage will be posted at the auction.

Source:
NSW Health
NSW Fair Trading
Realestate.com.au