UPDATE, Wednesday (March 25): The Federal government has now formally forbidden “open house” inspections and public auctions of property.

“IRRESPONSIBLE” open homes and public auctions need to cease, says Real Estate Institute national president Adrian Kelly.

“We need to take the Covid-19 Virus seriously. The deliberate organising of a gathering of people by a real estate agent flies in the face of the directives of the Prime Minister. To continue to arrange unmodified public open homes and auctions is clearly irresponsible,” Mr Kelly says in a note to his members.

He says the Prime Minister had made it clear that all Australians should immediately cease unnecessary travel and cease all unnecessary social interaction in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“With this in mind, the Real Estate Institute of Australia is now calling on all real estate agents across Australia to make significant changes to the way they conduct their business particularly in relation to house inspections and the conduct of public auctions. Past practice with open homes and public auctions needs to cease,” he says.

“We need to take the Covid-19 Virus seriously. The deliberate organising of a gathering of people by a real estate agent flies in the face of the directives of the Prime Minister. To continue to arrange unmodified public open homes and auctions is clearly irresponsible.

“Whilst we obviously recognise the impact to trading this will have, it is important that the entire industry pulls together and supports the government in their efforts at this time to limit the spread of Covid-19.”