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There’s a “simple solution” that will enable the needs of Victorians seeking shelter to be better met amid continuing restrictions, according to Harcourts.
Harcourts Group Australia CEO Marcus Williams has gone on the offensive, calling the news of continued restrictions in Melbourne and wider Victoria “disappointing”.
“Doubly disappointing is that these measures impact those who will be without assistance for their property needs,” he continued.
“Effectively, this new set of restrictions puts a full stop on any in-person real estate services related to auctions and inspections in Metro Melbourne, while our regional areas’ services are heavily restricted.”
Mr Williams is calling for the implementation of “a simple solution”. He said the state government must restore the ability for consumers to physically inspect a property, in-person with the assistance of a qualified property consultant, before committing to a significant financial decision.
He noted that the government’s current roadmap, a return to the provision of in-person private inspections “relies upon a zero-case target”, which he called “unrealistic and unacceptable”.
“To put it simply, we are calling on the government to allow one-on-one inspections of property so that people can physically see a property before they commit to a huge investment,” he said.
“Without inspections, buying and leasing cannot proceed, keeping many people out of appropriate shelter and pushing many vendors and investors to the brink.”
According to the CEO, while the property industry already accounts for a massive portion of the Australian economy, “the real damage being done is to those who need to move quickly”.
“Whether it’s a mother and her children fleeing a violent partner or someone who has lost their job and can no longer afford to pay rent, hardworking families and individuals in need deserve better attention,” the CEO said.
“Shelter is essential. And taking away the ability for real estate agents and property managers to assist people with a basic need is unacceptable.”
He’s also flagged the impact that a lack of transactions is having on real estate agency owners as small-business owners, stating that “there are tolls taken on financial, physical and mental health”.
“We understand the need for guidelines to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” Mr Williams did acknowledge.
“What we do not understand is why the federal government isn’t stepping in to assist Victorians.”
According to the Harcourts statement, the group is working closely with Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP) to “strengthen and align the industry’s efforts”.
Mr Williams is calling on all real estate brands to align with the REIP’s recommendations to open up limited transactions and allow for one-on-one inspections to resume.
In conclusion, the CEO said: “Together, we must continue to focus on the big picture at stake: the entire real estate industry’s need to be back on its feet and assisting our clients with their property transactions, whether it is selling, buying, managing or renting.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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