Illawarra buyers, sellers and real estate industry employees will have to adjust to changes in practices, after a federal government crackdown on public auctions and open house inspections.
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The new restrictions are part of efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
James Ianni, director of Wollongong-based Ianni & Co. Property said it was a "tricky" time for the industry.
Mr Ianni said they were pre-qualifying their appointments prior to booking them.
"We're also getting those people to sign a waiver, which is confirming a few things that have been set out in relation to health guidelines, about overseas travel, interaction with anybody that's been infected, symptoms, those kinds of things," he said.
"That's just to protect our team, clients, tenants and our families."
Mr Ianni said they were waiting on some guidance from industry leaders.
"But essentially, from what we understand we will still be able to perform our duties, but by private appointment, and limiting the times of those appointments, so we don't have any interaction with anyone for a period that's greater than 30 minutes," he said.
These bans were due to come into effect from midnight Wednesday (March 25).
"In the retail space, auction houses, gathering together in auction rooms, that can no longer continue," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week.
"Real estate auctions and open house inspections, that cannot continue."
Before the Prime Minister's announcement, the Ray White Gerringong agency had already scheduled an auction night on Wednesday.
With their usual venue, Crooked River Winery closed, they ran the auction online from their office.
Prospective buyers were able to register to bid via phone or online, with the agency saying social distancing practices were in place for employees and auctioneer in the office.
All three properties sold on the night.
This included 'Heartwood Farm' at 128 Alne Bank Lane, Rose Valley for $6,050,000.
Neil Campbell from the agency said there would now be a greater emphasis on private inspections.
"Going forward, we can probably do auctions where it's only us and maybe the owner at the property, or in a room or an office, and everyone bids remotely, either electronically or over the phone," Mr Campbell told the Mercury.
Meanwhile, Real Estate Institute of Australia president Adrian Kelly said the changes weren't a shutdown of the real estate industry.
"While it is not business as usual, there are opportunities for any real estate agent who looks for them, there are still ways of conducting inspections and to auction property," Mr Kelly said.
"Innovative and flexible agents should make better use of technology."
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
