Trust House to move for state houses
A Wairarapa community housing provider is eyeing 364 state and council homes in Horowhenua and Kapiti that may soon be up for sale.
Trust House Ltd chief executive Allan Pollard said social housing was a growth opportunity and that Treasury was currently sounding out the market and consulting stakeholders about the possible sale.
‘‘If they are interested in selling at a price that suits us we will make them an offer. We would set up an office in Levin and could potentially help improve the area through our management of social housing in the region,’’ he said.
Trust House has managed social housing in Wairarapa since 1999 and were the very first fully accredited community housing provider.
Housing New Zealand and Horowhenua District Council released a report which outlined why they are selling and who will be considered as a buyer.
‘‘Both the Horowhenua District Council and the government are committed to providing security of tenure to existing tenants for the duration of their need, while also maintaining their rights and welfare. The social and affordable housing will only be transferred to a new Community Housing Provider if it results in better services for tenants and fair value is received for the properties,’’ the report said.
Horowhenua District mayor Brendan Duffy said the council was no longer able to access subsidies to improve and develop social housing because of reform of social housing policy by the government, the subsidies were now only available to registered community housing providers.
‘‘The level of housing need in the community is far greater than we can deliver and will only grow over time.
‘‘The service currently being delivered by council is not sustainable in the medium-tolong term without significant operational and capital expenditure being made,’’ he said.