The government is looking to put some state owned houses in Tauranga and Invercargill on the chopping block – and is giving local iwi first refusal.
Treasury confirmed yesterday that the proposed sale of around 1140 properties in Tauranga and 370 in Invercargill will proceed to the next phase of the commercial transaction process - market sounding - at the end of the month.
Around 1140 properties in Tauranga could be sold. Photo: File.
A report from 3News also revealed that Iwi consultation has been completed and Ngati Ranginui has been given the first right of refusal to 115 Tauranga state houses.
The government will be working directly with the iwi, bypassing the open commercial process, to consider how the properties could be included in the state housing reforms.
Finance Minister Bill English says it will take a couple of months before government will know who is seriously interested in buying the houses.
'It's all new for everybody,” admits Bill. 'One of the reasons it takes a while is the government has to make sure it understands all about the rental stream and the buyers want to know what the income is going to be fairly specifically.
'It's going to be another few months before we see who is seriously interested.”
Earlier in the year the Government unveiled plans to sell off between 1000 and 2000 state houses to community housing providers this year for ongoing use as social housing.
Bill says while it's not in discussion, government could look at leasing some of the state houses.
8 comments
Sell them off
Posted on 18-08-2015 12:28 | By Kenworthlogger
Yes sell the old dungers at market rates and build brand new ones with modern insulation etc. especially the ones on million dollar sections. Benificeries dont need to live on prime real estate. Put the money then into brand new houses.
Settlement
Posted on 18-08-2015 14:51 | By Tumeke Tauranga
Although this article will generate a lot of negative comment, these properties were already previously identified in the Ngati Ranginui settlement package that if these properties are offered for sale, that they must first be offered for sale to the iwi. This isnt a giveaway - they are just offered first right of refusal to purchase.
no problem if market value
Posted on 18-08-2015 15:14 | By jed
So long as they pay market value who cares?
Residential Building Warrant of Fitness
Posted on 18-08-2015 21:00 | By paci
Emma-Lita Bourne died from a brain haemorrhage in a DAMP STATE HOUSE - the Coroner stated the following: "I am of the view the condition of the house at the time being cold and damp during the winter months was a contributing factor to Emma-Lita's health status." - I hope that the Government brings the State Houses that are for sale are brought up to the current acceptable inhabitable standards before the properties are passed onto the new owners - I also hope that the new owners insist on this minimum basic requirement before taking on this burden and responsibility because the government will offload their problem state houses and then force the Residential Rental BWOF regime on the new owners to comply.
IWI first preference
Posted on 18-08-2015 23:31 | By Crash test dummies
That is a great idea, as long as they pay fair value, then they can house their own and so many IWI decedents will be able to get something out of the settlements finally, it is about time that happened.
Paci
Posted on 19-08-2015 09:22 | By Kenworthlogger
The govt is selling the houses in an as is state just like thousands of houses around the country. They are under no obligation the same as any other seller to do anything to the houses. Its a case of buyer beware.
Buyer beware, and aware!
Posted on 19-08-2015 09:58 | By Murray.Guy
Re-locatable homes should be sold 'as is, where is' and the price will reflect the condition they are in. The best time to ensure homes comply is when relocated and by the purchaser who may also carry out other design enhancements, and at a fraction of the cost.
I will ask again...
Posted on 22-08-2015 01:17 | By GreertonBoy
If the houses were offered first to women only, there would be uproar? If they were offered to men only, same thing. If they were offered first to people over 50, there would be uproar, same if offered to people under 50.... uproar.... If they were to be offered ONLY to immigrants, tall people, short people.... there would be a ruckus? Surely in this day and age, to rule out one type of buyer for whatever reason is wrong? I think it would be better to offer them to people buying their first home, so rich landlord with 5 other rental houses already cant just snap them up to further feather their nests... If they are to be sold at fair market value, they should be offered to all New Zealanders, not just some? Maybe with conditions based on other property owned, but not on one's heritage?
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