Sharing a similar sentiment, ERA Realty's head of research and consultancy, Nicholas Mak, said that developers are considering using technology along with other methods to minimise the risks to prospective buyers, pointing to examples such as 3D virtual showflats. Nonetheless, he reckons most buyers would still want to visit a showflat before making a purchase.
One project that has already chosen this route is executive condominium Parc Canberra along Canberra Link. Co-developers Hoi Hup Realty and Sunway Developments will live-stream the balloting process on Friday. To spread out the crowds, applicants were asked to drop off their ballot tickets in person over two days - instead of one - at the sales gallery in front of an auditor. At 10am on Feb 14, the balloting exercise will be broadcast live on Parc Canberra's Facebook page.
Jesline Goh, chief investment and asset officer at UOL, said:"Buyers can also choose to complete their sales and purchase documentation through our sales e-system without having to go down to the showflat." Aside from other precautionary measures that are being introduced, Wing Tai will schedule prospective buyers to visit the sales gallery at different times and limit the number of people in the gallery in a bid to prevent large crowds.
"Should the situation turn more serious, we have prepared videos for buyers and online bookings to enable buyers to select units," said Vincent Ong, managing partner of Evia.