Surveyors say robust property protocols developed previously will ensure a safe environment for the public and property professionals
Friday 30th April 2021: The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland has welcomed confirmation from the Government that the property sector will commence reopening at Level 3 from the 10th of May and that the construction sector will fully reopen from May 4th.
On the property side the move means that prospective buyers and renters will be able to physically view residential and commercial properties from that date. Estate agent office will reopen on May 17th in line with other retail outlets.
The confirmation that the construction sector can reopen means work on non-residential developments can now restart, facilitating the return to work of some 20,000 construction workers.
Although the property sector is currently open for business online and remotely, physical viewing are only permissible at the point where a contract for sale has been drawn up or where a tenancy agreement is being entered into.
The move to Level 3 will allow viewings of property for sale or rent to take place by prospective property buyers or renters under safety protocols previously drawn up the SCSI, the Property Services Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders.
The Protocol, which facilitated the safe reopening of the sector last June, is applicable to Valuers and all Property Service Providers (PSPs) for the auction, sales, lettings, valuations and property management environment and for both residential and commercial property.
The CEO of the SCSI Ms Shirley Coulter said it was very important that all PSPs re-familiarise themselves with the protocol document and are wholly prepared for the second reopening of the sector.
“This is very positive news after what has been a very challenging period for the property, land and construction sectors. The robust property protocols which we developed previously will ensure a safe environment for the public and property professionals when viewings recommence on May 10th. The Protocol was extremely effective previously, and we are confident it will be again. The reopening is critical in order to facilitate those impacted by Covid and who are seeking essential accommodation, as well as people who are looking to buy or sell property in a market which is facing a severe supply shortage” Ms Coulter said.
The document is available at www.scsi.ie
Ends.
For further information
Contact Kieran Garry
GPR Communications
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Note to the Editor
The Protocol provides comprehensive guidance for the property sector which includes:
- All viewings and auctions should be undertaken online, where possible.
- Where viewings take place detailed Covid-19 signage must be displayed and hand sanitation facilities must be widely available. HSE Guidelines must be adhered to at all times.
- Viewings should be pre-booked and thorough cleaning procedures must take place with record sheets of the cleaning prominently displayed.
- A maximum of two people per viewing party and no under 16s should attend.
- All brochures and property details should be sent by email.
- Removal of doors to small rooms such as utility and storage spaces or alternatively removal and capping of internal door handles to minimise contact points.
- Auctioneers must announce HSE guidelines before commencement of auctions.
- Arrangements for collection of auction lots must be by appointment only and where social distancing can be observed.
- In arranging viewings of second-hand dwellings and commercial buildings professionals must confirm whether respective clients have returned from travel abroad or have had symptoms of Covid-19 over the previous 14 days. If so, the property service cannot be provided for a minimum of 14 days.
- Property agencies must provide safety training for all employees.