Ray White agents to continue to host private inspections and on-line/digital auctions

The national Ray White agency says its agents will continue to host virtual property tours, private inspections and on-line/digital auctions.

Their determination was announced after the Tuesday night announcement of the Prime Minister on new bans as of midnight Wednesday March 25, 2020. 

"We can take heart from the statement that 'all workers in the economy are essential' and we will carefully adhere to the latest restrictions," Ray White Group managing director Dan White said.

"The key message to take away is that all real estate onsite and in room auctions and open house inspections will be cancelled as of Wednesday night, but our members will still be able to host virtual property tours, private inspections and on-line/digital auctions, as we have been encouraging." 

The industry had unsuccessfully lobbied politicians to make estate agents classified as essential.

"Real estate auctions and open house inspections, in particular open house inspections — that cannot continue," PM Scott Morrison said last night.

"In the retail space, auction houses, gatherings together in auction rooms, that can no longer continue," he added, noting Australians would "stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary that you go out."

“We’re trying to limit the gathering of people in large numbers that can relate to the transmission of that virus,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr White said the restrictions "will no doubt provide us with some challenges, we view them as necessary to face the current crisis and welcome the opportunity to continue to support the many Australians who rely on us to support them in renting, buying, selling and managing their homes."

Mr White said no other restrictions were announced for either property management or sales businesses, subject to other restrictions on physical distancing and hygiene. 

He pointed out the "clear and significant need of the millions of residential and commercial tenants who will also need support during this time, whether it be for routine maintenance requests or for the more serious matters that will result from widespread financial hardship."