14th April 2020 / Rob Fletcher: Market Update | 11 & 12 April 2020

In lieu of online auctions, the long weekend brought several updates for the property industry as families across the country celebrated Easter in isolation.

Following an update to the Consumer Affairs Victoria website last Thursday which saw private inspections for tenanted and occupied properties banned, the Victorian government has now reversed the decision after industry-wide backlash.

REIV President, Leah Calnan, said that the reversal showed the government was willing to listen to the industry about the efforts they were taking to be compliant. 'They may not fully understand that agents can practically perform their duties with all of the government's directions. We provide shelter and that's an essential duty,' she said.

In order to overturn the decision, 26 prominent real estate agents across Melbourne banded together to sign an email addressed to Premier, Daniel Andrews, State Treasurer, Tim Pallas and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Marlene Kairouz. This included Director & CEO, Bradley Brown, on behalf of Fletchers, alongside representatives from the REIV, Domain and REA Group.

The email stated, 'if shelter is a basic human need, then the ability for people to find shelter, which in our society is predominantly through a real estate agent, is paramount'.

In other news, 2/962 Burke Road, Deepdene was sold by Director & Auctioneer, Tim Heavyside and Property Consultant, Harley Toyle prior to auction over the weekend. The 3 bedroom, sun-filled sanctuary drew interest from young families and keen investors alike, featuring a stylish kitchen with stainless streel appliances, north and south alfresco courtyards and close proximity to schools and cafes.

Results. It's a Fletchers thing.