REIV call for inspection by appointment as a safe and simple answer

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria is calling on the Victoria government to allow one-on-one inspections of properties.

The VIC peak body says inspections will help save a number of Victorians from financial distress and homelessness.

REIV chief executive Gil King says what they are asking for is "absolutely safe".

“We understand that the larger gatherings at public auctions and open houses are a risk", King says.

"That is not what we are asking for. 

"Private one on one inspections are absolutely safe.”

King says online auctions aren't happening because people can not see the house they want to buy in person.

"The Victorian property market has come to a standstill with zero auctions over the weekend", King added.

"This is about people, buyers, vendors and tenants alike.  

"Allowing private inspections means that the market will be ready for revival when the time is right.”

Metro Property Management director Leah Calnan, who is the REIV's chairperson of the property management chapter committee, says inspections can be conducted safely.

“The real estate industry has been prepared with systems, processes and procedures to allow safe inspections by appointment.”

“We see everyday the impact this hard lockdown is having on our tenants and owners; we cannot expect people to lease or buy without seeing the property.”

“It will be a legal nightmare to have someone buy or rent and then want to exit the contract when they eventually see the property.”