Bidders will have to book their seats at auctions when estate agents reopen as part of a new protocol for the property sector, Irish Country Living understands. Three bodies representing auctioneers and estate agents submitted a joint protocol to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, that outlined a new way of working in a post-coronavirus era.

It was hoped that if approved by the State this week, estate agents could open their doors again from 18 May. Irish Country Living understands that if this date was not agreed by Government, representatives to government are seeking a definitive date by which estate agents can re-open.

The submission was made jointly by the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PRSA) and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

Viewings by appointment only, booking places at auctions, electronically signing contracts where possible and sending deposits by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) are all part of the measures outlined in the new protocol. Facilities for hand washing, Perspex barriers and social distancing in offices are also part of the protocol, Irish Country Living understands.

The measures will be in line with the Government’s phased reopening of the country.

Comment

To a certain extent auctioneers have been working behind closed doors, or from home, finalising contracts that have been agreed and preparing to launch new properties on the market when the time is right.

Initially, COVID-19 had no impact on prices but now there may be a time lag in getting loan approval from banks

“We had postponed everything but in the last week or so vendors are getting in touch to tell us to go ahead, leave until autumn or don’t sell at all this year,” said Tom Crosse from GVM. “Initially, COVID-19 had no impact on prices but now there may be a time lag in getting loan approval from banks. I don’t see a major correction in prices coming. There is a pent up demand and a lack of land on the market due to long-term leasing.” However, John Earley in Roscommon made the point that until people are permitted to travel further than 20km. “What business have I advertising property if people cannot come and see it?”