What will deconfinement be like for real estate agencies?

The deconfinement measures announced by the Government envisage the staged re-activation of economic and business activity in several phases. But how will we apply them in the real estate sector?
Phase 0: customer service by appointment

The pre-deconfinement stage, baptized as phase 0, will begin on May 4 and foresees the opening of commercial premises and establishments by appointment for individual customer service.

In other words, in this phase the real estate agencies will be able to reopen their offices, but only to attend previously arranged consultations. The indications of the authorities, moreover, specify that the security of both professionals and clients must be guaranteed as much as possible. If the professional service requires contact with the client, the use of protective measures such as gloves and masks is mandatory.

Phase 1: opening in strict safety conditions

Phase 1 is expected to run from 11 to 25 May, but may vary depending on the evolution of the virus in each territory. In fact, the islands of Formentera, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Graciosa will enter this phase early on the 4th of May.

During this phase, establishments will be able to open, except for shopping centres or parks. In other words, the real estate agencies will have to adopt some limitations to guarantee security. For example, it is indicated that the minimum distance between clients must be 2 meters and, in the case that this is not possible, there can only be one client at a time.

From this stage onwards, mobility will be allowed within the same province, so that it will be possible to move customers from nearby towns.

Phase 2 and following: maintenance of security measures

From phase 2, which will come into force on 26 May in those provinces where the evolution is favourable, the capacity of the commercial premises will be progressively increased, but always with the requirement to be able to guarantee a minimum distance of 2 metres between customers.

Mobility between provinces will not begin until phase 4 or ‘new normality’, scheduled for the end of June, so until then it will not be possible to attend customers from other places in person.

SOURCE: HABITACLIA