Making an offer without viewing? Don't! Updated guidance on viewing homes at alert level three

The alert level has not fallen, but house prices have continued to rise. Barfoot & Thompson's monthly report noted that, in the second month of restricted sales activity, Auckland's property market was gradually returning to normal in October, with stronger sales volumes and firmer prices. Auckland's average sale price in October was NZ$1,188,000, up 5% from September. The median price was NZ$1,150,000, up 4.5% from the previous month, returning to the gradual upward price trend seen in 2021.

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Summer is also the prime season for buying and selling homes in New Zealand. We have reason to believe house prices will continue their strong rise through November and the approaching December. Many buyers who watched from the sidelines during lockdown have finally stopped waiting for prices to fall and put a pressing question to the YIJU editorial team: as restrictions under alert level 3 gradually ease, can I arrange a viewing with an agent?

The answer is, of course, yes! Private viewings by appointment are permitted under alert level 3, but open homes are not. Building inspections and moving house are also allowed. The Government has now updated its guidance on moving, buying and selling homes under alert level 3. The revised guidance is more relaxed: viewings can operate on a 'one out, one in' basis, meaning viewers from another bubble can enter once the previous bubble has left. However, people from different bubbles must maintain a safe distance of 2 metres. Viewings must be contactless, and after each viewing the agent must clean surfaces inside the property and open windows and doors to maintain good ventilation.

How and where do you book? What restrictions apply to viewings and building inspections? With so many people entering the same house, how are health and safety protected? You probably have many more questions. YIJU's editorial team interviewed two experienced real estate agents actively conducting viewings to answer your questions about private viewing appointments.

Q1: What restrictions apply if I want to view a home under alert level 3?

Miro Wang：At the end of April last year, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) released detailed guidance on real estate activities under alert level three. However, the requirements now differ from those during last year's level three restrictions and are more accommodating. People within the same bubble can book a viewing. We send clients a web link, where they answer questions about their contact details, address, email and preferred time. Although we cannot guarantee that everything clients tell us is true, this provides a degree of traceability.

Crystal Chen：Open homes are not permitted under alert level 3, and all viewings must be booked with the agent in advance. The owner's written permission must be obtained before a viewing. High demand for viewings, combined with the limited times convenient for owners or tenants, means many buyers have restricted viewing opportunities. Masks must also be worn during private viewings, which must be contactless. Viewings can operate on a 'one out, one in' basis. This means that only people from the same bubble can enter the property at any given time. Another bubble may enter only after the previous bubble has left. 

 

Q2: What measures will agents take to protect the health and safety of viewers and homeowners?

Miro Wang：Compared with people in many other jobs, real estate agents are a high-risk group. We need to meet people from many different bubbles, areas and ethnic backgrounds. We therefore take as many precautions as possible to protect viewers' and homeowners' health and safety, as well as our own.

First, we prepare basic property information, particularly electronic versions, so we can send it immediately by phone when buyers need it, reducing opportunities for contact.

Second, every buyer booking a viewing must complete a questionnaire so their details can be traced. We also carefully manage the intervals between viewings to allow time for ventilation and disinfection, and notify the owner of each appointment so everyone follows the same timetable and overlap is minimised.

At the entrance, we display a QR code containing the property's information so visitors can scan it on arrival. We also provide sanitiser and masks inside to ensure safety. If two or more people attend a viewing, the agent waits outside and answers questions from a safe distance.

After buyers leave, we disinfect the property, make sure the doors and windows are locked and the lights are off, and set the alarm.

 

Q3: What documents do prospective viewers need to prepare, and what is the process for viewing a property in person?

Miro Wang：First, make a booking by phone or email, then wait for the agent to send a viewing appointment link. Provide the basic information requested, and once the agent confirms the appointment you can view the property in person. During the viewing, buyers must wear masks, avoid touching surfaces and stay more than 2 metres from the agent.

Crystal Chen：To make viewings more efficient and avoid wasting time and energy, buyers should learn about the property beforehand and consider whether it meets their needs, including budget, location, number of bedrooms, school zones and nearby amenities. Once their requirements are clear, they need to contact the agent in advance to book a viewing and complete an online viewing application.

 

Q4: If I find a property I like, can I arrange a building inspection under alert level 3?

Miro Wang：Yes. Booking a building inspection follows the same process as arranging a viewing. However, agents have a separate appointment form specifically for building inspectors. Once the booking is made, the inspection can proceed after the agent confirms it and notifies the owner. Afterwards, the agent ventilates and disinfects the property.

Crystal Chen：Building inspections are permitted under alert level 3, but masks must be worn and a distance of more than 2 metres maintained.

 

Q5: If I have bought or sold a home, can I move under alert level 3?

Miro Wang：Moving is also permitted. If you are not moving everything yourself, contact a moving company in advance. If you are moving into an apartment, arrange a time with the property management company.

Crystal Chen：Yes, moving is permitted under alert level 3, but you need to carry supporting documents, such as your sale and purchase agreement, to explain the move. If you use a moving company, wear a mask and stay 2 metres from the movers.

 

Q6: What advice do you have for sellers and buyers?

Miro Wang：For sellers, because scheduled open homes are not permitted under alert level three, try to accommodate buyers' viewing needs as much as possible while ensuring your family's safety.

Buying a home is a major decision, and many buyers need several viewings before making their final choice. Some also need to view at particular times, such as in the morning or evening, to get a complete picture of the property. We hope everyone can put themselves in each other's shoes and be understanding and supportive.

 

Advice for sellers: Sellers can set aside regular times, such as particular days of the week, to take the family out for a walk and let the agent make full use of that time for buyer viewings. If the property is tenanted, the owner needs to coordinate arrangements, always within alert level 3 requirements.

If tenants cannot readily accommodate viewings, or illness, children or pets in the household make in-person viewings impossible, consider producing a comprehensive video to meet buyers' initial viewing needs. We suggest commissioning the agent to prepare a video before listing, so prospective buyers can learn about the property's basic condition straight away.

 

Advice for buyers: Always book viewings in advance, provide accurate information and scan the QR code to ensure traceability. Talk to the agent beforehand to learn more about the property. During viewings, wear a mask and take precautions. Some buyers bring shoe covers and gloves, providing very thorough protection.

If you are seriously interested in a property, you can arrange several viewings, engage a professional such as a building inspector to inspect it, and ask the agent for electronic property information for your lawyer and bank to review. Before the auction, contact the agent in advance to familiarise yourself with the online auction process and prepare a backup plan. Make sure your internet or phone connection works during the auction so you do not miss out on the home you want.

 

Crystal Chen：During this unusual period, sellers and buyers need to understand and cooperate with each other, maintain a safe distance and follow public health measures.

 

Advice for sellers: For vacant properties, we recommend professional home staging to enhance their value. For owner-occupied homes, tidy up and keep only essential furniture on display, leaving the property clean and orderly to avoid unnecessary contact with household belongings. Consider decorating with framed pictures and fresh flowers.

You can set a regular viewing period. Ideally, owners should leave the house during viewings, perhaps going for a walk or staying in the garage or garden while maintaining a safe distance. For tenanted properties, sellers need to discuss and agree on viewing times with tenants in advance. Remind tenants to keep the interior clean and tidy to avoid unnecessary contact. If possible, consider a temporary rent reduction to compensate tenants and encourage their cooperation.

 

Advice for buyers: During the outbreak, buyers cannot gather to view properties at open homes. Do your homework first, using photos, videos and VR technology to learn about the property. Then plan ahead and agree on viewing arrangements and times with the agent. At the viewing, follow the rules, wear protective equipment, maintain a safe distance and observe public health measures.