Barfoot & Thompson's auction houses had 35 auctions slated for today, 22 of those scheduled to go ahead this afternoon under strict virtual bidding conditions.
While Auckland's biggest residential property broker reported slightly subdued bidding during the morning session, with six of 12 lots sold under the hammer at an average price of $1.8 million, the "show will go on" this afternoon via online and over-the-phone bidding.
Its Shortland St auction manager Campbell Dunoon said while he isn't sure what to expect during the afternoon sessions, there continued to be healthy demand in the city for quality stock. The fact there was any action at all was down to learning from the prior covid-19 lockdowns.
That has enabled the firm – and other auctioneers like Harcourts and Ray White – to continue to cater for what remains a red-hot property market.
Dunoon said key to that has been greater use of the Auctionslive platform, an app which allows prospective buyers to register and bid on their smartphone or tablet, or via a salesperson on the phone.
The app dates back to 2012, but the covid-19 response has dramatically ramped up its usage.
Online and phone auctions represent an increasing part of Barfoot & Thompson's sales mix. With on-again, off-again covid restrictions in play, it will become even more important, along with virtual appraisals and 3D tours, and even a virtual 'furnish' tool that allows prospects to test their furniture in the new house.
"Not to blow our own horn, but we learned a bit during the previous lockdown, so while moving into a new lockdown scenario isn't ideal, we will contend with it and sales will move on."
Managing director Peter Thompson said the company is also prepared for remote working and was already geared for dealing with clients via social channels.
A reminder of the rules
Under Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) social distancing stipulations for level 3, no physical auctions are allowed and Auckland real estate firms will close their doors, cancel planned open homes and viewings will be by appointment only. REINZ has also limited viewings to two viewings per property, with a maximum of one agent and two registered people from the same 'bubble' able to view the property. Physical distancing of two metres is to be observed at all times.
Under level 2 – which applies to all areas outside of Auckland – auctions can proceed under the two-metre distancing rule with no more than 100 people able to attend each auction. Open homes can also take place as long as contact tracing systems are in place.
Both settlement and moving house are allowed under both covid alert levels, as is home staging.
Institute chief executive Bindi Norwell said she would encourage anyone currently in the property market to be familiar with the guidelines, depending on where they are in the country.
She said the institute will seek guidance in relation to the requirements to use masks at the current lockdown levels, but that "it is our understanding that legislation regarding mask use still needs to be written."
Norwell said that while there had been no hints at this stage that NZ was moving towards a possible level 4 lockdown, "it would be prudent for people to prepare should this be an eventuality."
