The REIA joins with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) in calling on the Victorian Government to reintroduce contactless activities in real estate, such as one-on-one inspections.
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They also ask property access be provided to professionals, for generating digital marketing materials, such as photos and videos, all in line with social distancing requirements.
REIA president Adrian Kelly has written to Premier Daniel Andrews outlining the importance of keeping the real estate industry operating, albeit with appropriate safeguards.
"A healthy property sector has been a crucial support to economic growth and can be expected to play a vital role in Australia's recovery in these unprecedented times," said Mr Kelly.
"Victoria is critical to this as our second-biggest residential property market with 30 per cent of Australian capital cities and 20 per cent of Australia's rental market and nearly 80,000 dwelling sales annually.
Across Australia the agency industry has been diligent in upholding public health protocols and social distancing since March 2020.
- Adrian Kelly
"We are committed to working with all Australian governments to manage the risks presented by the global pandemic and have been praised in many jurisdictions for our collaborative approach.
"We understand that other sectors are able to conduct similar activities and believe the real estate industry should be provided a level playing field.
"It is nonsensical that as an estate agent I will be permitted to take my pet pooch to the beauty parlour before I can show a prospective tenant or purchaser through a property in order for them to have a roof over their head."
Mr Kelly said allowing people to sell their homes to avoid financial suffering, will not only provide economic relief to individuals but the country as a whole, and a critical factor in the payment of government stamp duty.
