Open homes back on in WA

Western Australia has begun to ease social distancing restrictions as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic, seeing open homes back on in WA from Monday 27 April. Premier, Mark McGowan, said in a press conference on Sunday that this is just the first in a cautious relaxation of restrictions, encouraging people to continue to practice appropriate social distancing so the restrictions don’t need to be brought back in. 

Open houses and display villages back on

Prospective buyers will be able to attend open houses or inspect property in a display village as long as social distancing rules are adhered to and records of who enters a home are kept by the real estate agent. When entering an open home, the agent will need to record your name to document everyone who entered the property. This is to help authorities contact anyone who may have come into contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case following the open home. 

How to maintain social restrictions in an open home

With open homes back on in WA, it’s important prospective buyers maintain social distancing rules to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep others, including the homeowner, safe. The social distancing guidelines for an open home may include: 

• maintaining 1.5 metres between yourself and others while on the property
• limiting the number of people inside a home at one time so the 1.5 metres distance between people can be maintained 
• keeping your hands in your pockets to help avoid touching any surfaces inside the property
• homeowners may be asked to leave open doors and cabinets prior to the open home 
• Covering the face when coughing and sneezing 

While on-site auctions remain banned, having open homes and display villages open and back on the agenda should help the real estate industry return to normal sooner.