Victorian government gives green light for commercial property inspections to resume
Commercial auctions and inspections have been given the green light under revised government guidelines. Photo: iStock

Commercial property inspections allowed to resume in Melbourne

Commercial real estate inspections have been given the green light to recommence in Melbourne following a weekend announcement by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

Under the changes, pre-arranged inspections with one agent and one prospective purchaser or tenant are allowed to take place.

In addition, commercial and residential auctions can also now take place outdoors with a maximum of 10 attendees as well as the staff required to conduct the auction.

Residential inspections have already been allowed to take place as part of changes to metropolitan Melbourne’s stage two restrictions announced on September 27.

Inspections of commercial properties were able to take place in regional Victoria, which has been operating under the stage three restrictions.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria welcomed the changes.

“This decision is recognition that the real estate profession can be trusted to conduct inspections and auctions in a safe and responsible manner. We have done so previously, and will continue to do so for the benefit of all Victorians,” the institute’s president Leah Calnan said.

“We are happy with where we’ve got to – we’re one of the few industries which can open to almost full capacity now,” said Richard Simpson, the REIV vice-president and a partner at W.B. Simpson.

“Obviously having more people at auctions than 10 [would be ideal] but we’re happy to take 10 and move to higher numbers as government health advice allows.”

Despite physical auctions now being permitted, Mr Simpson predicted that many commercial agents would continue to opt for expressions of interest campaigns instead of auctions because of the continued uncertainty about the market.

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