Some New South Wales lockdown restrictions will ease on Monday, including allowing property inspections, as Health Minister Brad Hazzard has signed off on a change to the Public Health Order.
The lockdown restriction amendments are set to have a significant impact on how the real estate industry will be able to function, as well as other areas of concern such as funerals.
The real estate industry will be boosted by a sub-clause in the public health order to allow home inspections.
There are three valid reasons for a person to leave their place of residence: to move to a new place of residence, inspect real property, or move between places of residence of the person, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The previous clause, to “inspect a potential new place of residence for the person” has been omitted.
A permit system to enter regional NSW also began last weekend, requiring anyone wanting to inspect real estate to “genuinely need a home to live in”.
This clause did not allow for investment property inspections.
Travelling to a second home in regional NSW is only allowed if it is being used as work accommodation or for urgent maintenance and repairs, and if so, only one person may travel there.
However, it should be noted that Queensland has now restricted all NSW residents from entering the state, even if they’re moving.
Other restriction changes
The new lockdown restriction changes will also allow singles in a local government area (LGA) of concern to resister a ‘bubble buddy’, so they can visit their place of residence.
For LGAs of concern, the ‘bubble buddy’ must live within five kilometres of the dwelling they are visiting.
Bubble buddies must be registered on the Service NSW website.
Exercise and outdoor recreation will be allowed within a person’s local government area or no more than five kilometres from home.
For people in the LGAs of concern, exercise has been limited to one hour per day, within five kilometres of home, and recreation is not allowed.
The order has been amended to allow “a gathering for a small funeral or memorial service” for outdoor gatherings, even in LGAs of concern.
Funerals and memorial services will be capped at 10 people, excluding the person conducting the service.
NSW has recorded 1029 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths in the latest reporting period, with at least 61 people infectious while in the community.
From 13 September, vaccinated adults in the 12 hotspot LGAs can spend one hour of recreational time outside, in addition to one hour of exercise.
