How changing COVID-19 restrictions are impacting the Real Estate Industry in Nova Scotia

HOW CHANGING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ARE IMPACTING THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY IN NOVA SCOTIA (Updated May 10th) 

With COVID-19 cases surging in Nova Scotia, there have been a few changes that impact the real estate market in our province. ​ On Friday the NS government announced that the NS border would close to those moving to NS until the end of May.

​While the purchase and sale of real estate can continue, there are a few things that will affect buyers. 

New Restrictions

Buyers cannot come to Nova Scotia to house hunt, even with isolating, until the border restrictions have been lifted. Only people who have a new permanent address are allowed to enter, and they must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. 

Restrictions also affect buyers currently living in Nova Scotia, as buyers are not permitted to attend a viewing or an inspection if the property is outside their community, which is defined as their municipality. An Agreement of Purchase and Sale does not fall under the travel restriction exemption for legal reasons.

We have also been asked to limit real estate activities to those deemed essential - i.e. if you are a renter and your lease is expiring this would be deemed essential but if you are shopping for a vacation property this would not be seen as essential and you should put your plans on pause until after restrictions are lifted. 

Fines for not following health regulations are as high as $2000 per person as of Sunday.

Relocating to Nova Scotia? Here is some additional information just for you:

Moving to Nova Scotia - The Exceptions 

On Friday the NS government announced that the NS border would close to those moving to NS until the end of May. As of May 10th, the Province announced that compassionate exemptions to enter Nova Scotia for individuals who have a:

• Purchase or sale agreement for residential property purchased in 2021 showing an offer has been accepted on or before 21 April 2021 and the closing date is on or before 20 May 2021
• Minimum 1-year residential lease signed on or before 21 April 2021 and the start of your tenancy (lease) is on or before 20 May 2021
• Letter of acceptance for new employment in Nova Scotia that can’t be done virtually or be deferred; letter must be dated on or before 7 May 2021

Send your compassionate exception request to c19compassionate@novascotia.ca and include the following travel details:

• Name of travellers
• Purpose of travel
• Confirmation that the need to travel is urgent
• Where you’re travelling from and how you’ll get to Nova Scotia
• Where you plan to stay in Nova Scotia
• Any travel within the 2-week period before you visit Nova Scotia
• Any known exposure to COVID-19 for all travellers
• Your plan for self-isolation during your stay, including details about how food and supplies will be delivered, how you’ll maintain a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others where you’re staying (if applicable) and how you’ll follow public health measures and guidelines
• If you’re granted an exception, you’ll be allowed to move to Nova Scotia, but you must self-isolate for 14 days when you arrive in Nova Scotia

Planning to travel to NS, please review the Provincial website here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restrictions-and-guidance/#compassionate-exceptions

Once individuals have entered the province, they must continue straight to their new home to isolate themselves for 14 days. This means that you’ll need to come prepared with everything you need for those 14 days or make arrangements to have supplies dropped off in a contact-free method.

What’s Stayed The Same

In the Real Estate Industry, we stay committed to making sure our clients, and the public as a whole, are safe. 

1. We’re working from home & keeping safe while in the office. This means virtual meetings, masks in public spaces within our offices and socially distancing. 
2. We’re following protocols. We’re following regulations and guidelines set forth by the government to keep our communities safe. We make sure our clients are prepared with sanitizer, masks and gloves during viewings as well. 
3. Virtual Alternatives. We’ve been offering virtual showings since the beginning, allowing our clients to view homes safely. You can also expect zoom meetings, digital signing and contactless interactions during your buying or selling process.