In response to the exponential growth in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Victorian Government has declared a State of Disaster. As a result, Stage 4 Stay at Home restrictions have been imposed across Metropolitan Melbourne from Sunday, 2 August 2020 and will be in place until Sunday, 13 September 2020.
Despite the uncertainties of what lies ahead, rest assured we are working proactively, adjusting and adapting our daily operations to adhere to state government guidelines.
Together, we are facing a truly unprecedented situation, affecting every aspect of our lives. While we have modified our approach to real estate, we remain committed to supporting you as best we can throughout the course of this pandemic.
What does Stage 4 restrictions mean for Metro Melbourne's property sector?
- Due to Stage 4 restrictions, our offices in Metropolitan Melbourne are now closed and we're working remotely. All of our property professionals will remain easily contactable via phone or email.
- Final inspections and key collections (contact-free) are permitted, as well as other important aspects relating to the start or end of a lease. These are to be attended by one person only, by private appointment. The agent will require a permit and the renter will need to show evidence of the appointment. No other in-person inspections are permitted, including agents attending to perform walkthrough tours.
- Our property management team will continue to ensure essential services can be performed for our renters and residential rental providers. Emergency repairs and maintenance will still be able to be carried out, rental payments and receipting will continue as normal, as will remittances to residential rental providers (given the current situation, we are unable to process rental payments in person, so renters will need to make their payments online).
- All general maintenance will need to be postponed during Stage 4 restrictions. Renters will still be required to report all maintenance to their property manager, however it cannot be attended to until the State of Disaster has been lifted.
- Those who need to move will be able to do so, remembering curfew hours still apply (8pm-5am), movers will be required to wear a face-covering and practice safe social distancing.
- The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) are only hearing urgent matters, with all non-urgent matters being adjourned. This is expected to cause significant delays, both now and when outstanding applications are rescheduled. Where there is an urgent dispute or matter which needs to be dealt with by VCAT, hearings will be heard by phone or video conference.
- Final inspections and key collections (contact-free) are permitted, as well as other important aspects relating to property settlement. These are to be attended by one person only, by private appointment. The agent will require a permit and the buyer or the inspector will need to show evidence of the appointment. No other in-person inspections are permitted. All auctions and property appraisals must be conducted virtually.
Although our doors are closed, we are still here for you! And will keep you updated as changes arise.
In the meantime, please stay safe and take care of one another.
