Only two property viewings are permitted per property per day at alert level 3. Photo / File
Only two property viewings are permitted per property per day at alert level 3. Photo / File
Bay of Plenty real estate agents are feeling "lucky" to be able to do business under alert level 3, which has not hindered potential buyers' appetite for property.
Despite only being able to show two groups through a property daily, some agents were getting "constant inquiries" on houses and evenmulti-offers in the middle of lockdown.
But although level 3 made life a little more free for agents, some were hanging out for a move down alert levels.
Simon Anderson, managing director of the Realty Group, which operates Eves and Bayleys, said activity levels were "strong" despite the current alert level setting.
"We are coming into spring you see, which is traditionally a very busy time. From a listing point of view, it is going to be very strong."
He said a move to level 2 would mean an increase in property viewings, along with providing vendors with more "confidence about going into the market".
Tremains Bay of Plenty managing director Anton Jones. Photo / NZME
Tremains Bay of Plenty managing director Anton Jones said despite business being a "little bit slower" after coming out of level 4, spring was normally the busiest time of year.
"It is a matter of getting those listings live that had been put on hold. Things just took a bit of a pause while level 4 was in place," he said.
"There is a lack of listings in general, they are sort of at the lowest levels they ever have been.
"The market will be okay, it will just take a few weeks to get things going again."
He said the rule around only being able to show two groups of people one property per day "hampers" the process of making a sale.
"It's not easy. Level 2 will definitely be more beneficial, provided we are allowed to do open homes."
Meanwhile, First National Real Estate business manager Cameron Hooper said it was "a real positive" business was able to continue at alert level 3.
"We are pretty lucky that the legislation has given us the ability to appraise, and finish off contractual obligations within a sales and purchase agreement."
The agency had managed to list "quite a few" properties at the current alert level, and buyer interest was still strong.
There had also been multiple sales under lockdown conditions, with a multi-offer being made on one property.
"These people had all viewed the property prior to lockdown, and we had seven offers on that property as a deadline sale," he said.
First National Real Estate business manager Cameron Hooper. Photo / NZME
Hooper expected potential buyers to "take a breather and wait" during the lockdown, but he said this had not happened.
"People are still out there and haven't found a house.
"Due to the low levels of stock, any property we do have is getting good interest, because there is not a lot of choice for people out there.
"We are still getting constant inquiries on properties. That has been continuous through level 3."
He said the return of open homes at alert level 2 would help create "more excitement" for new listings.
"Naturally, the interest levels peak. Having viewings limited to two per day might decrease our chances of having that sort of buzz about a property."
He was grateful people were able to view properties at level 3 even if it was at a limited capacity.
"We are happy with the level of interest we receive on all of the properties, it shows the market is not stopping on its head.
"People are still in a position where they are happy to transact and make offers - for us that's the main thing."
The Real Estate Authority website states that at alert level 3 private viewings were permitted, with the written consent of the vendor. All health requirements had to be met.
Only two visits per day, per property, were permitted.
Visits to properties by professionals to support the real estate transaction process and to complete pre-sale conditions were also allowed.
It said real estate work should occur remotely wherever possible.
