Locked down and locked out Pages

Former REIV President Leah Calnan weighed in on the inability to conduct open for inspections in an opinion column in the Herald Sun.

Locked down and locked out

The Victorian Government’s lockdown measures over July 2021 to September 2021 did not permit any listing, selling, buying or leasing activity in real estate. These strict measures brought the sector to its knees and put many Victorians in extremely difficult situations – financially and emotionally.

Housing remains one of the biggest financial commitments that people make during their lifetime – those decisions were being made blind or not being made at all. The REIV made dozens upon dozens of representations to the Victorian Government but these pleas were repeatedly ignored. In order to make sure that the message got through, the REIV took a more public stance. An emphatic media campaign was launched on 7 September, 2021. Published as full pages advertisements in the Herald Sun and social media platforms, this was one of the few advertisements that was covered as a news story by a range of broadcast media. Most major TV, radio and print news channels talked about the campaign and highlighted the issues raised. The campaign was also

read in Parliament by the Hon David Davis Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

Restrictions on real estate were eased from 11.59pm on Friday, 17 September, ahead of any announcements for other industry sectors. It was pleasing to see common sense ultimately prevail through the removal of the onerous restrictions.

Full-page ads formed part of the REIV’s campaign against the State Government’s property market restrictions.

The sector worked hard to inform Government on how the harsh shutdown of real estate services achieved nothing positive; in fact, it caused substantial damage at all levels of property market participation and paralysed those with a desperate need to find accommodation or realise their assets. lead sellers, buyers and renters through COVID-safe measures and help ensure the sector returns safely back to its best.

The REIV continues to work with government to seek clarity and detail on the roadmap. No doubt 2022 will pose some challenges as Australia reaches the vaccination targets agreed by all states and territories. It is now important that our members lead sellers, buyers and renters through COVID-safe measures and help ensure the sector returns safely back to its best.