What Will the Opening of State Borders Mean for Real Estate?

As state borders slowly open up one by one, the real estate industry has been urged to stay vigilant with many buyers looking to travel interstate in search of their dream home.

So far, despite the countless viewings and auctions conducted, no transmissions of COVID-19 have been a direct consequence of real estate endeavours.

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) president, Adrian Kelly, praised the industry’s collective efforts to prevent the spread of the virus that thrives in high contact areas comparable of daily real estate environments.

“We are a fortunate and proud industry in which there has not been a single recorded transmission of the virus due to real estate activity, let’s keep it that way,” said Mr Kelly.

With a number of state borders reopening over the coming weeks this will mean more freedom of movement around the country, particularly in regional locations which are already experiencing higher buyer interest and demand from those wishing for a change of lifestyle.

Real Estate Institute of Australia President – Adrian Kelly

“These areas are likely to see a sizable influx of potential purchasers,” explained Mr Kelly.

But the REIA president warned against the real estate sector letting its guard down, and said that state bodies provide readily available advice regarding safeguarding the industry.

“Let’s keep up with the social distancing, management of open homes, use of hand sanitiser, no shaking hands, etc and making sure our COVID safe workplace plans are up to date and being reinforced,” Mr Kelly said.

“The state Real Estate Institutes have all developed quality materials around safe workplace practices which can still be accessed,” he said.

Compared to events in other countries at this time, we are certainly fortunate to be a part of the Australian real estate industry.