Phew!
A big sigh of relief for many: Auckland is now in Level 3! While life is not back to normal, there are definitely more opportunities to get things done than there were at Alert Level 4.
In Level 3 businesses are still operating under many restrictions to continue to keep workers and customers safe.
As well as cafés now providing the all-important takeaway flat white and cheese scone, tradies are permitted to do maintenance work on properties in Level 3. While rental property managers are not yet able to do routine inspections, property valuers, real estate agents, property managers, etc. are able to work on-site under some circumstances.
Level 3 physical distancing rules apply for all tradespeople, including electricians and plumbers. These same distancing rules apply for professionals such as Valuers and Building Inspectors when they go to properties.
Open homes are not permitted in Level 3, viewings must be by appointment only. Property Managers and Real Estate agents are limited with the number of people that they show at a time (2 from the same bubble) and the number of showings of a property are also limited to two groups per day (including professionals – so that could mean one property valuer, and one potential buyer).
Property owners who had a vacant property at the time that the country went into will be pleased that the property is now able to be shown to prospective tenants- time to get the rent coming back in. For prospective tenants who really need to find a property to move into it will be a frustrating time as viewing properties is still quite challenging under Level 3. The good news is that at least you are allowed to move house in Level 3 if physical distancing rules are adhered to!
For those who are buying or selling it will be a big relief that settlements are able to occur at Level 3, assuming that this can happen while meeting the Level 3 requirements. Documents must be signed electronically (or in another contactless way) and all discussions about the sales and purchase agreement must be done remotely by phone or video. Auctions are only able to take place by phone or online bidding.
On the building and construction side of things, it’s a big help nationwide that production plants will be back up and running. There is a lot of catching up to do, and with the distancing rules this may mean that some production outputs will be reduced. Still, some output is better than no output!
It’s abundantly clear that the changes to Auckland’s alert level will have a positive flow on affect outside of just the Auckland region, in particular for the building industry. Onwards we go! And as always, get in touch if you want to talk anything through!