NSW ready to reopen front door on property inspections and on-site auctions

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the relaxing of restrictions was a sign of the ongoing success in limiting the spread of COVID-19, but warned there was no place for complacency, with community safety and social distancing to remain an ongoing priority.

“Choosing a home is one of the biggest decisions anybody makes, and easing the restrictions to ensure people can more easily inspect, buy or rent a property is an important step for NSW,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“The real estate industry has been adaptable in transitioning to online auctions, property inspections by appointment or online, and now as we make the move back to a more normal mode of operation we must ensure safety measures such as social distancing remain a key part of the process.”

Minister Hazzard said these measures were vital to ensure the safety of customers, property owners and real estate staff as a more traditional face-to-face way of inspections and auctions re-commenced.

“The community has done an outstanding job in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and we need to make sure we continue to exercise vigilance and care,” Mr Hazzard said.   

“Real estate agents should limit the number of people viewing a property and attending an auction, follow stringent cleaning and safety guidelines, ensure clients do not touch surfaces and always have hand sanitiser available.”

Mr Perrottet urged a common-sense approach across the industry.

“If we want to keep as many people in jobs as possible and businesses in business it is important to follow the safety advice and not put others at risk,” Mr Perrottet said.

“If people are not genuinely in the market for a new home, now is not the time to be having a look through their neighbour’s house.”

Key health guidelines include: 

• ensure physical distancing of greater than 1.5m is maintained
• promote good hygiene on premises and at auctions including hand sanitiser
• use digital platforms where possible to discourage physical contact
• keep detailed contact records of people attending open homes and auctions
• ensure people with any symptoms of illness do not attend a property
• manage the number of people entering small spaces
• consider extended times for open house viewings and inspections
• use outdoor venues for auctions wherever possible
• if auctions are held indoors, use large venues where physical distancing between household groups of one person per four square metres is possible.