NZ open homes to return with level 2 restrictions
Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern will move the country’s Covid-19 restrictions to Alert Level 2 on Monday 11 May, meaning NZ open homes to return, along with the physical interactions involved in purchasing and selling a home.
Open homes set to return
Open homes and inspections are possible at Alert Levels 1 and 2, as long as social distancing guidelines are adhered to. Prospective buyers must keep a minimum of one-metre apart from each other during the open home inspection. Contract tracing will also be required by real estate agents in case a positive case is confirmed. During the Alert Level 3 stage, people were able to move home, including using the services of a removalist company, as long as it was conducted safely and under social distancing guidelines, and these recommendations remain for moving house under level 2.
What else is returning in real estate?
Physical auctions of less than 100 people will also be allowed to return under the level 2 restrictions. We’ll also be able to re-open our offices and hold rental viewings of less than 100 people. In addition, we’ll be able to negotiate sale, purchase and listing agreements in person. The green light will also be given to pre-settlement inspections, as well as building inspections and valuer inspections. Now that settlement is able to take place, you will also now be able to move house. This includes moving between regions. Property management functions may also be allowed to be carried out in person.
How we’re keeping you safe during open homes
In addition to enforcing physical distancing guidelines, we will conduct contact tracing of all clients and ensure that all areas that have been touched during an inspection are noted and are cleaned regularly and thoroughly. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has welcomed the level 2 guidelines for the property industry. Bindi Norwell, REINZ CEO, says getting the industry up and running is a huge step that will be welcomed by buyers and sellers across the country. “Over the past few weeks, we have been mindful of the need to protect New Zealand from the effects of Covid-19, but now is the time to get the country up and running, in a safe manner, as quickly as possible in order to minimise the economic impacts on the country going forward,” she said.
The move from Alert Level 3 to 2 restrictions means NZ open homes can return, opening the doors of listed properties to all prospective buyers across the country.
