In-person real estate inspections kick off in the ACT as restrictions ease

Only household members are permitted to attend a private appointment together, along with one real estate agent.

It means buyers no longer have to purchase sight unseen, which Andrew Chamberlain, managing director of Blackshaw Real Estate, said is a relief for many.

"Buying real estate is an emotional journey for people and it's certainly in my view that the best result is gained by showing people through the home," he said.

It's also good news for renters, who can now inspect a home before signing a lease.

Louise Harget, principal at Belle Property Canberra, said her properties were fully booked on Saturday for the first day of inspections.

"Everyone followed the rules, they waited in their car [between appointments], everyone was really considerate so you can't ask for much more than that," she said.

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Ms Harget said the easing of restrictions is a positive change for buyers.

"Something that's of high quality you really need to see to appreciate, so I had a few people say they were really glad they were actually able to walk through," she said.

Under the strict COVID-safe guidelines, each inspection must be limited to 15 minutes, with a 15-minute interval between appointments, and a total of two hours at one property per day.

This means only four buyers will be shown through a property each day.

Mr Chamberlain said while the rules are a step forward, it means buyers will need to be qualified prior to inspecting.

"We'd like people to feel as if they can come and have a look at a home as part of their research, but if we're going to a property for two hours and we can only meet four people, we really need to establish that they are in a position to purchase unconditionally, immediately," he said.

An upside for buyers, Ms Harget said, is that agents will be less likely to underquote properties.

"[Agents are] going to have to be really honest with the buyers, which is a good thing, and tell them exactly what [price] they're expecting and not waste anyone's time," she said.

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