SCSI WELCOMES REOPENING OF PROPERTY SECTOR
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland has welcomed the reopening of the property sector at Level 3 and the full reopening of the construction sector. On the property side the move means that prospective buyers and renters will be able to physically view residential and commercial properties from that date. Estate agent office will reopen on May 17th in line with other retail outlets.
The confirmation that the construction sector can reopen means work on non-residential developments can now restart, facilitating the return to work of some 20,000 construction workers. Although the property sector is currently open for business online and remotely, physical viewing are only permissible at the point where a contract for sale has been drawn up or where a tenancy agreement is being entered into.
The move to Level 3 will allow viewings of property for sale or rent to take place by prospective property buyers or renters under safety protocols previously drawn up the SCSI, the Property Services Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders. The Protocol, which facilitated the safe reopening of the sector last June, is applicable to Valuers and all Property Service Providers (PSPs) for the auction, sales, lettings, valuations and property management environment and for both residential and commercial property.
The CEO of the SCSI Ms Shirley Coulter said it was very important that all PSPs re-familiarise themselves with the protocol document and are wholly prepared for the second reopening of the sector. “This is very positive news after what has been a very challenging period for the property, land and construction sectors. The robust property protocols which we developed previously will ensure a safe environment for the public and property professionals when viewings recommence on May 10th.
The Protocol was extremely effective previously, and we are confident it will be again. The reopening is critical in order to facilitate those impacted by Covid and who are seeking essential accommodation, as well as people who are looking to buy or sell property in a market which is facing a severe supply shortage.”
Denise Maguire Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine
