Three businesses in Samoa’s property market have welcomed the Government's decision to opening the international borders and see it as an opportunity to get new clients.

The representatives of three locally-owned firms Samoa Realty Ltd, SS Real Estate Services and Navigator Enterprise and Real Estates told the Samoa Observer in separate interviews that there is a lot to look forward to since restrictions were lifted and trading hours were extended over the last two months, followed by the Government’s recent announcement of the opening of Samoa’s international borders.

Rosita Slaven of Samoa Realty Ltd said the lifting of the restrictions has helped their business as potential property buyers now have more time to inspect properties earmarked for sale.

"Lifted hours have helped us a lot as our buyers are now able to at least have the time to go out to view properties without having to rush home early," she told the Samoa Observer.

As Samoa’s largest real estate business, Ms Slaven said the benefits of opening the international borders has multiple benefits for the business.

"We are looking forward to borders opening as more than 50 per cent of our market are overseas buyers,” she said. “With border controls, overseas investors have not been buying as they cannot come over to view properties before buying. 

“We have had some exceptions but the majority have been holding back.”

While the property market in Samoa has been quiet this year due to the pandemic, Ms Slaven said they’ve still been busy nonetheless with a lot of inquiries.

"Things have been very slow this year, and while we are still busy with inquiries, actual buyers putting pen to paper have been very few. 

“We are looking forward to seeing some of our overseas buyers come August, when our borders will be fully opened up as per news update. 

“We have quite a few now planning to come over then.”

For new property market entrant SS Real Estate Services, whose owner Sheree Stanley Stehlin is a sole trader, she said the longer trading hours have not made much difference for her business. 

"Nothing has changed much since the lifting of opening hours due to the fact in this line of work, a lot is done over the telephone, e-mails etc,” she told the Samoa Observer. “Viewing of properties is scheduled around the allowed hours of business.”

Asked what she thought of Samoa’s international borders opening, the entrepreneur said she was looking forward to it.

“I look forward to the borders opening as I believe there will be opportunities to sell to overseas locals who would like to invest in Samoa," she added. 

Mrs Stanely said business has been good over the last two months but she is of the view that it can always get better.

Business has been tough over the last three months for Raema Von-Reiche, who owns Navigator Enterprise and Real Estates, especially in ensuring her staff continue to be employed.

She said she is looking forward to the opening of Samoa’s international borders and the extended business hours is good for business, but the firm continues to exercise caution to keep their staff safe from COVID-19.