The Property Council says the Wellington City Council's offer of rates relief to owners of quake-prone buildings is a step in the right direction but could go further.
The council has proposed waiving rates for owners doing strengthening work while a building is untenanted, and to hold rates at the level they were when the work began for three years.
Wellington City councillor Iona Pannett said the package will cost the council between $200,000 and $500,000 per year.
Property Council vice president Ian Cassels said every littel bit helps, though the offer would not meet the full financial cost of earthquake strengthening.
Mr Cassels said it is not just about throwing money at the situation, and the council could be giving more practical assistance to people to help them get the complex process of strengthening started.
He said the council could do more, such as extend the three-year rates freeze to 10 years.
