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The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has again called for the resumption of housing inspections amid lockdown, deeming them “critical for Victorian renters, buyers and the health of the property sector”.
Amid the state’s prolonged lockdown, the Victorian government has decided to extend the ban on property inspections and auctions, with the exception of final inspections such as end of lease and settlement activities.
But the REIV deems this restriction “unnecessary”.
According to REIV president Leah Calnan, banning one-on-one inspections only impedes Victorians’ ability to make informed decisions and ultimately accomplish needed changes to their living arrangements.
“These are very significant long-term financial decisions being made by people, and we must ensure that they have the ability to make informed decisions,” she said.
“It’s indisputable that inspecting homes is a fundamental aspect of property transaction due diligence. Without it, buyers and renters are flying blind — it’s just unrealistic to expect people to lease or buy a property without seeing it.”
Additionally, she pointed out that “the decisions people make about housing have a major impact on their physical, mental and financial health and wellbeing, which are all very real concerns Victorians are coping with following 200-plus days of lockdown”.
Considering the exceptions already made by the government for convenience stores, restaurant takeaways, retail click-and-collect and government infrastructure works, the president believes there’s no reason to delay the resumption of private inspections.
Addressing safety concerns, REIV CEO Gil King said the property sector has “tried and tested” procedures in place for private inspections since 2020 — which are implemented on top of current COVIDSafe measures — including:
- inspection by prior appointment only;
- maximum two adults and one real estate agent/representative;
- declaration that attendees have not visited a Tier One or Tier Two exposure site in the 14 days prior;
- prior approval from any occupants; and
- 15-minute appointment blocks, with time allowed either side for cleaning.
“Private one-on-one inspections are both essential for buying and renting and are free from any significant risk,” Mr King said.
“Lockdown regulations that ban property inspection by private appointment have a crippling effect on the property sector, impacting renters, aspiring home owners and mum and dad investors.
“Common sense must prevail: Housing is critical for health and safety, and there can be no doubt about this.”
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