Property sector calls for one-on-one inspections during lockdown 5.0

Date: 20 Jul 21

Media Release

With today’s announcement that Victoria’s fifth lockdown will be extended by a further seven days, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is calling on the Victorian Government to allow one-on-one inspections of properties.

One-on-one inspections with an agent will allow people to buy, sell, or lease under strict and safe COVIDSafe guidelinesThe property industry has had proven protocols in place since Victoria’s lockdowns began in 2020.

The sector’s measures include:

  • detailed record keeping for contact tracing

  • masks and santitiser on location;

  • no touching of surfaces during the inspection; and

  • disinfection and cleaning before and after inspection.


REIV CEO, Gil King said that without inspections, buying and leasing property is far too difficult and keeps many people out of appropriate housing.

Vendors and rental providers are being pushed to the brink despite the sector having tried and tested procedures in place for inspections by appointment,” Mr King said.
 
“We understand and respect that the larger gatherings with public auctions and open houses may cause concern, but private one-on-one inspections are free from significant risk,” he said.
 
“We are seeing firsthand the mounting stress for people who are unable to find appropriate accommodation during an already difficult time,” he said.
 
REIV President, Leah Calnan said that when people sell, buy or rent a property, they are making some of the most significant financial decisions of their lives.
 
“It’s unfathomable to expect people to lease or buy a property without seeing it,” Ms Calnan said.
 
“The removal of this key component of real estate due diligence is making things extremely difficult for everyday Victorians,” she said.

 
Media Contact:   [email protected]   03 9205 6607   www.reiv.com.au