Business Report writes that the estate agency sector has appealed to the government to allow estate agencies to begin operating.  

RE/MAX of Southern Africa CE Adrian Goslett said on Monday that there had been a great deal of fake news claiming estate agents were allowed to open during Phase 4 of the lockdown, but that was not the case.  He advised it was illegal for estate agents to operate in the lockdown, and estate agents could face criminal prosecution if they were found out.  “The real estate industry has joined forces to implore the government to reconsider.  This decision (that the industry not be allowed to trade during Level 4 lockdown) affects not only the thousands employed in this sector, but also has a far-reaching impact on the economy,” he said.  “Real estate is a multiplier and enabling industry. In the 2007/8 financial crash in the US, it was real estate that led the economy out of the recession and back to economic health and prosperity. We believe this sector can assist South Africa in doing so again,” Goslett added.  Real estate in isolation contributes about 5% of GDP, with 42,000 people working in the residential real estate sector, he said.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Edward West on page 10 of Business Report of 5 May 2020

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