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With Queensland steadily approaching the date at which 80 per cent of the state’s population will be fully vaccinated, many are wondering what this threshold will mean for the real estate industry.
Queensland’s government has indicated that businesses and venues operating under reduced capacity will soon experience a further easing of restrictions, returning to a more normal mode of operation to be able to serve the fully vaccinated. This will take place either on 17 December 2021 or once the state has vaccinated 80 per cent of people over 16.
Unvaccinated Queenslanders, however, will continue to face measures barring them from attending indoor or outdoor entertainment events and festivals, visiting hospitality venues, or going into vulnerable settings like hospitals and aged care, among other restrictions.
As with opening-up measures that have been rolled out in other states and territories, the law as it relates to events and activities in the real estate sector appears to be somewhat clear, without being explicitly delineated in the information currently available.
Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), noted in a recent update to members that this lack of direct information has sown confusion among agents preparing for the upcoming adjustments.
“At this stage, the double vaccination requirements do not appear to apply to real estate activities (such as open home inspections or auctions) that are conducted in private residences or in real estate offices,” Ms Mercorella clarified.
“The double vaccination requirements generally apply to non-essential activities and leisure-related activities,” she added.
But the changes aren’t entirely clear-cut in the case of auctions taking place at an auction house.
“Where auctions take place in external venues, there may be a requirement to comply with the rules,” Ms Mercorella said. In this case, she advises agents to confirm any restrictions with the venue in question.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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