As it is with businesses throughout the country, our Harcourts Canterbury offices are now closed as we all unite Against Covid-19. Homes have always been at the centre of everything we do... though at the moment, we have a new definition for that, as our team members work from their own homes to provide you with all the service and support you might need. Covid-19 General Information Open homes It is unsafe to hold open homes at the present time. We encourage everyone to view properties online until circumstances change. Auctions All auctions are postponed. If you have your property listed for auction, you should have received a phone call from our sales consultant advising you of your options. If you wish to speak to someone, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Conditional contracts These can still be confirmed during lockdown provided no travel/face-to-face meetings are required. If the condition(s) cannot be met during the Alert Level 4 period, then both the buyer and seller should take legal advice and either extend the condition until after the lockdown period or cancel the contract. The party’s lawyers will make appropriate amendments to the contract to facilitate this. Pre-settlement inspections These are unable to take place in person during lockdown, however, if both parties agree, these could take place using video conferencing. Settlements During Alert Level 4, vendors and purchasers will not be able to move in and out of their homes. Our advice is for you to speak with your lawyer if you have a settlement pending. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand has taken advice from the Auckland District Law Society and their recommendation is for settlements to be deferred until Level 4 restrictions are lifted. This advice is also relevant to section sales where there is no movement between properties. Covid-19: Residential Tenancies Act amendments On the 23rd of March 2020 the Minister of Finance announced a freeze of rent increases and an extension of no-cause terminations. This has been applied as law through the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Amendment Act. These measures will support Kiwis to stay in their rental properties with a six-month freeze on residential rent increases and increased protection from having tenancies terminated. What landlords and tenants need to know:
For full information on the new measures and what they mean for landlords and tenants, please visit:
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James Twiss
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Greg Roberts
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Archives
September 2020
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