REIQ says agents ought not trade on Anzac Day, while Victoria likely to introduce ban
As ANZAC Day was an important national day of remembrance, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland sought to ensure its membership did not trade this Saturday.
“The last time Anzac Day fell on a Saturday was in 2009, and in the past 25 years it has only fallen on a Saturday three other times," REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said.
"While the law has been the same every year, this year Anzac Day falls on a Saturday and it’s possible that some real estate agents booked advertising well in advance and without realising the significance of this particular Saturday.
“We have reminded our membership that holding an open house, either for the purpose of selling a property or to rent a property, is strictly prohibited."
Mercorella said that while there were a few open houses booked throughout the state for this Saturday, she expected these were due to oversight, rather than wilful disregard for the law.
"We have notified all members that under the Trading (Allowable Hours Act) 1990, factories and shops in Queensland are required to close on Anzac Day with some limited exceptions."
In communications with the membership the REIQ explained that real estate offices are required to close on Anzac Day, with the one exception that offices can open for the sole purpose of leasing related activities, for example, accepting rental payments.
NSW and Melbourne agents are offering mostly afternoon auctions.
But Victorian laws could be changed to stop home auctions before 1pm on Anzac Day.
Premier Daniel Andrews is concerned about reports raised on Neil Mitchell's 3AW that home auctions will be held on Saturday morning.
"It may be legal to be having auctions and things of that nature, but I think it's pretty ordinary," Andrews said.
About 80 are scheduled for Anzac Day, with 18 due to be held before 1pm.
They included a Richmond apartment listed for 11.30am auction with $300,000 plus hopes at 202/120 Palmer Street.
Set in the Niche complex, it has been pitched to investors with an estimated rental return of $350 per week.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria says it was disappointing some vendors and agents had ignored their advice about maintaining respect for the day.
Amanda Lynch, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of Australia says there was a need a nationally consistent position on ANZAC Day opening hours.