Trust plan to offer cheap sections welcomed

9:59 pm on 5 December 2011

A group representing Canterbury people with earthquake-damaged homes has welcomed plans to offer cheaper sections to red zone homeowners.

The Canterbury Co-operative Land Trust says the government payment for land on red zone properties is well below the market cost of new sections.

But the trust hopes to offer sections at a reduced price of between $90,000 - $120,000, compared with a normal cost of between $170,000 - $200,000.

Leanne Curtis of CANCERN says the idea is good, although the plan's attraction will depend on the land available. CANCERN represents Canterbury people with quake-damaged homes

She says interested parties must consider what it would cost to prepare the land and how long that might take.

The lower cost of sections will appeal to many, as will the ability for homeowners to be involved in shaping their communities, she says.

The trust says the savings would be achieved by by pre-selling all sections and therefore avoiding the costs usually associated with funding and marketing the development.

Christchurch City Council member Glenn Livingstone says it is important that those in red zoned properties have the chance to get a new home without the burden of taking on more debt.

The trust says red zone homeowners can register an interest without actually committing to the project.

Homeowners can register without committing to the project.