Updated 28th November – Moving Back to Level 3 from Level 5

The government has announced that Ireland will move to Level 3 from Level 5 as of the 1st of December. Thanks to the herculean efforts of our team and the public, both buyers and sellers, Auctioneera succeeded in operating safely and productively throughout Level 5. We now look forward to removing some of the restrictions that did apply during Level 5 but will not apply during Level 3. The main difference is that we will no longer be required to have had sight of proof of funds from an interested party in order to arrange a viewing of a property. We received a lot of pushback from buyers during Level 5, who were not happy with being asked to show proof of funds to merely arrange a viewing. Alas, that is is the regulation as it applies during Level 5 and we adhered to it. We were informed many times that other estate agents were not adhering to this but that wasn’t our concern. Frankly we are glad to see the back of this requirement owing to the friction it created in arranging viewings. During Level 3, Auctioneera is very much open for business so if you are considering selling your property or are interested in buying one that we are selling, be sure to get in touch and we will be delighted to hear from you. We are operating safely and adhering to all responsible safety protocols. We are expecting a surge of buyers and sellers to come to the market over the coming weeks and into the new year as would-be vendors pull the trigger and come to market after weeks of lockdown and buyers look to finally get a property purchased after being cooped up for the past number of weeks. So a thank you to everyone with whom we dealt during Level 5 and we look forward to a very busy and productive few weeks ahead and into the new year!

The content below related to Level 5 – it is no longer relevant from December 1st as we move back to Level 3.

Property Valuations, Surveys & Viewings During Level 5 Covid-19 Restrictions

There has been much confusion of late as to whether auctioneers / estate agents are open for business during Level 5 restrictions. Many people are wondering can you put a property for sale during level 5 and buyers are wondering can you attend a property viewing. The PSRA (Property Services Regulatory Authority) has issued guidance for how property services professionals should conduct their operations safely during Level 5 restrictions. The publication can be viewed here.

IPAV CEO Pat Davitt, summarises the new regime in the following video.

Auctioneers / Estate Agents Are Open for Business During Covid-19 Level 5 Restrictions. Viewings, Valuations & Surveys are All Proceeding

To Summarise

Property Valuations
Property valuations by agents can continue. Agents are travelling for work and as such the 5km restrictions do not apply. If you are considering selling your property and would like to arrange a free valuation, please call us or email hello@auctioneera.ie Agents will of course be wearing face coverings, sanitise their hands regularly and respect physical distancing.

Viewings
Viewings can proceed if the following criteria are met.

• Interested parties must submit proof of funds in advance of the viewing.
• Only one party (maximum of 2 people per party) may enter the property at a time.
• Open viewings are not permitted.

How to Book a Viewing of an Auctioneera Property

One we have verified your proof of funds documentation, we will call you to arrange the viewing.

Important:

• Your party should include a maximum of 2 people.
• You will be required to wear a face covering to enter the property.
• Auctioneera will provide hand sanitizer & disposable gloves.
• Your viewing will be restricted to 15 minutes in the property.
• You will have exclusive access to the property and will not mix with other interested parties.
• Auctioneera will send you an email confirming your appointment. This may help with An Garda Siochana but Auctioneera accepts no liability in this regard.

How is the Property Market Reacting to Covid-19

While many predicted falling house prices and a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a property, the reality is that prices have remained firm throughout the pandemic. Those who are working from home have not been able to spend their money and are building war chests that are being used to fund deposits. Being stuck at home has expedited latent plans to buy a property as people realise they need more space particularly with the prospect of working from home in the medium term. So the market is continuing with property service professionals taking all the necessary precautions to ensure it is safe for all; the show must go on!