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In the midst of tight level 4 restrictions, New Zealand has offered the property industry some insight into what real estate could look like if its lockdown is loosened.
In a wider announcement regarding the recommencement of certain business operations when the nation steps back to level 4 restrictions, the government revealed that “a real estate agent can open, but people should work from home if they can”.
“The agent can enter people’s homes, but not have customers in the office. You cannot run an open home... Similarly, workers going into people’s homes — such as furniture removers, electricians and plumbers — could also return, on the basis that distancing is maintained.”
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has since welcomed the clarity.
Chief executive Bindi Norwell said that over the past few weeks, the institute had worked closely with the profession to develop guidance on what real estate activity can occur at various levels.
“This guidance was provided to different ministers on 9 April and today’s clarifications seem to line up with the material we have prepared,” she indicated.
“We welcome further clarification from ministers over the coming days in order to allow the real estate profession to support people buying or selling a home.
“We’re also looking for additional clarification around whether private viewings of homes and rental properties are acceptable under level 3.”
With the provision of the additional information, the REINZ has stated it will be releasing detailed guidelines for the profession in the coming days.
At the time of writing, New Zealand has not yet made a decision to loosen restrictions and move down to level 3, but it is preparing for such a transition.
When it does, NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said there will be a period of waiting to see “if what we have done has worked”.
“After a while, if we don’t show further signs of illness, we can go back to life that is a bit more normal. If we deteriorate, then it’s back to lockdown at level 4.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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