Covid-19 Pandemic Alert Plan September 2021

Wednesday, 18 August 2021


Our doors are open, our team is still hard at work for you. Property Brokers' offices have now moved to Level 2 of the Covid-19 Pandemic Alert Plan.


While we acknowledge these are trying and difficult circumstances for all, we do believe they are in the absolute best interests of our communities. We will support these actions in whatever way we can. The health and wellbeing of our team members and our community are so important to us.

Our offices are now open, we are working for you. 

Rest assured that throughout this lockdown, however short or long it may be, we are always working for you, managing rental properties and supporting landlords and tenants, our support centre is also working to ensure that financial and legal requirements are still met, and our sales teams are taking enquiries and supporting vendors and buyers.


What is Property Brokers doing to keep our people, clients and communities safe during these challenging times?

We're following the advice from the Ministry of Health as well as the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. For more information on COVID-19, please refer to the Ministry of Health website.

We have the following procedures in place to give buyers and sellers as much confidence as possible in the current climate:

Our comprehensive response plan in relation to COVID-19 will help protect our clients, people, family, communities and friends. This covers residential sales, property management, commercial, body corporate, as well as all of our support services. This plan has now come into effect. You will see these changes in how we manage open homes, viewings, auctions and property inspections.


Level 2 restrictions

We are responsibly adhering to the Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines as we go into level 2 restrictions. In addition to this, we have proactively planned around how we can continue to support our clients with great real estate service and solutions throughout this period of uncertainty.


Where do I go to get current updates?

We are updating our website regularly and will be sending email updates to our customers as appropriate. We encourage customers to contact their salesperson, property manager or branch should they have any concerns or questions that they need to discuss. For up to date COVID-19 updates, please refer to the Ministry of Health's website health.govt.nz


Are you aware of the rules? Residential Sales, Rural and Lifestyle Sales, Open homes and property viewings.

How are open homes being managed now?

Under level 2 - open homes can take place and must meet all public health requirements including limits on the number of people that can attend. Open homes are limited to 50 people and 2-metre physical distancing requirements must be met. Mask wearing (unless exempt) is required for anyone aged 12 years and over when entering any property. Have a look at the listing you are interested in on our website to see high-quality photographs, floor plans as well as interactive tools and virtual tours. Speak to the salesperson by phone for more information and guidance.


Appraisals

In Level 2, in-person and virtual viewings appraisals can take place as long as strict health requirements are followed. If you'd like to know more about the market and where you sit, please get in touch


Auctions

Auctions under alert level 2 must meet all public health requirements including limits on the number of people that can attend.These can also take place via phone or online bidding methods. Phone bidding is available as a usual option with all our auctions.Indoor auctions are limited to 50 people and outdoor auctions are limited to 100 people. 2-metre physical distancing requirements must be met for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.Mask wearing (unless exempt) is required for anyone aged 12 years and over when entering any property.Speak to your salesperson to make arrangements. If vendors don't want to sell by auction, there are other sale methods available; these include negotiation and tender - talk to us about how we can meet your needs.


Settlements

In Level 2, settlement and moving can go ahead. House movers are allowed to work, so buyers and sellers are able to move house if they follow the government guidance

What happens if a property settles during a lockdown

Settlements and moving house can take place in Level 2. All of the parties' lawyers will make appropriate contract amendments to facilitate this.


Tenanted and rural property sales

At level 2 in-person inspections of rental properties can take place. During inspections, physical distance should be maintained and hygiene measures followed. Records should be kept for contact tracing purposes. Buyers and sellers who deferred settlement during alert levels 3 and 4 may now settle if both parties agree. Some law firms and agents may be working remotely, and this may cause delays. It would be advisable for all parties to seek and follow the advice of their lawyers.


Bridging finance

Vendors and purchasers should talk to their financial services provider or bank in the first instance.


Conditional contracts

These still can be confirmed during a lockdown. If the condition(s) can't be met during the level 2 alert, both buyers and sellers should take legal advice. The condition could be extended until after the lockdown period or cancel the contract. All of the party's lawyers will ensure that appropriate contract amendments are made to facilitate this.


Pre-settlement inspections

While pre-settlement inspections are not able to take place in person; these can, in fact, take place via video conferencing.


Anti Money Laundering

The Department of Internal Affairs is working on guidance as to if, and how, customer due diligence verification can occur during the lockdown. We will let you know as soon as this guidance is released, which we understand will be tomorrow.


For the latest Property Management updates, please click here:

https://www.propertybrokers.co.nz/pm-covid-19-alert-plan


Need to talk to someone to get some more information? Get in touch with us on 0800 367 5263 or contact us here.

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