COVID19 Protocols for Estate Agents

The Property Regulator and leading representative organisations have published a ‘Joint Sector Protocol for Property Services Providers’ safety document, the aim of which is to facilitate the safe reopening of the property market in Phase 2 (8th June).

The comprehensive new safety Protocol document was jointly developed by the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), and the Property Services Regulatory Authority, (PSRA) and was shared with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

The Protocol is applicable to Valuers and all PSP’s for the auction, sales, lettings, valuations and property management environment and for both residential and commercial property.

While the property market is currently open for business online and remotely, the three organisations said the sector is now looking forward to a full reopening in Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business – in line with the Government’s health advice.

The key objective of this new Protocol is to facilitate the safe reopening of the property market. The three bodies believe this document will provide reassurance to consumers and clients of property services providers and valuers that the sector can reopen on the 8th June for safe business.

Under the Protocols, the following actions are required amongst others:

• All viewings and auctions should be undertaken online, where possible.
• Where viewings take place detailed Covid-19 signage must be displayed and hand sanitation facilities must be widely available. HSE Guidelines must be adhered to at all times.
• Viewings should be pre-booked and thorough cleaning procedures must take place with record sheets of the cleaning prominently displayed.
• A maximum of two people per viewing party and no under 16s.
• All brochures and property details should be sent by email.
• Removal of doors to small rooms such as utility and storage spaces or alternatively removal and capping of internal door handles to minimise contact points.
• Auctioneers must announce HSE guidelines before commencement of auctions.
• In arranging viewings of second-hand dwellings and commercial buildings professionals must confirm whether respective clients and viewers have returned from travel abroad or have had symptoms of Covid-19 over the previous 14 days. If so, the property service cannot be provided for a minimum of 14 days.
• Property agencies must provide safety training for all employees.

These strict guidelines will be adhered to by all of our staff at Hopkins Ward Estate Agents and all viewers will be requested to adhere to the same guidelines. We will be conducting virtual viewings at set times any by appointment. All physical viewing must be by appointment only. All our documents will be sent by email and electronic signatures will be used in all cases by all parties where required.

The document is available by request. Please contact me at ian@hopkinsward.ie for a copy of the document free of charge.