'A reset for all of us': What the ACT market learnt from open home restrictions

Limitations on open home inspections have been lifted as a part of a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, but adaptive new practices may well have cemented themselves into our selling and buying futures.

Louise Harget of Belle Property Kingston says sellers like having more of a say over how many people come through their homes.

“I think a preference will continue for more highly qualified private appointments, especially for homes in the higher price brackets,” she says.

Harget says potential buyers have also modified their approach to home inspections.

“There’s more investment upfront – they’ve got finances in place; they’re also often in receipt of building and pest control reports,” she says.

“The question has then refined itself to how much they like a place and whether they can see themselves living there?”

Holly Komorowski of home.byholly says buyers became much more focused during restricted home inspections.

“They were very conscious they had strict time slots and that definitely sharpened their observations during appointments,” she says.

“It was obvious they had very clearly thought ahead about what they needed and what they wanted in order to maximise the value of the walk-throughs.”

Komorowski says many had also ensured their pre-finance approvals were in place.

“I suspect many will have now seen how more thorough research and preparation has improved their experience and will continue this approach as we go back to more relaxed conditions,” she says.

“It’s been a bit of a reset for all of us.”

• Money talks. Pre-finance approval became essential during restrictions on inspections and auctions to minimise home walk-throughs. This budget tick will be just as highly regarded by agents as we return to normal.
• Homework. Buyers became much more focused on determining their needs versus wants during the restrictions. This sharpened their understanding of what they were after and helped maximise the value of home walk-throughs.
• Carry on. This relatively short, sharp period of reflection and adjustment has given buyers an opportunity to reset their approach to home acquisition and this more efficient approach has proved its worth.

Allhomes’ top pick of properties open for inspection this weekend:

YARRALUMLA

View property

This is a bold home that speaks of vision, design and exacting build quality – three reasons why it was a 2016 MBA award winner.

Architects Ring and Associates joined with Emmadale Group to realise this modernist-influenced home of some 268 square metres with a generous 40 square metres of garage space.

Their collaboration begins its reveal as an oversized pivot front door opens into a spacious foyer with four-metre ceilings highlighted by a hand-blown, glass droplet lighting feature.

Feature metal fretwork then ramps up the art content with the discrete screening of a formal lounge with gas fireplace and marble surrounds.

The central living, meals and kitchen area is spacious.

The kitchen commands attention with a runway island stone bench, timber feature joinery and a royal flush of Miele appliances. Add to that an integrated fridge and freezer and a cafe-style window bar to service all outdoor entertaining.

And that’s not all – there’s a butler’s pantry which disappears behind matching kitchen cabinetry, and a cleverly designed internal laundry. Wine aficionados will love the climate-controlled, fully fitted cellar.

The main bedroom is incredibly generous with a luxe en suite and walk-in wardrobe. There are three further queen-sized bedrooms.

Outdoors, and the words “resort-style living” come to mind – and stay there.

There’s a covered entertaining area with built-in seating and a high cafe table. Then there’s the sparkling blue pool with swim jets and an integrated spa.

Price guide: $2.5 million +

Private sale

Agent: Belle Property Kingston, Louise Harget 0412 997 894