Mucking in
Two mates vowing to grow Marton’s population are in the final stages of developing the town’s largest subdivision.
Rangitı¯kei Development owners Hayden Gould and Bain Simpson have started selling sections on an 82-lot subdivision on the outskirts of Marton.
The first 28 sections are sold and two more stages are in the pipeline.
The development, called Hereford Heights, should deliver about 80 new homes within two years.
The duo bought the land on the corner of Hereford St and Bredins Line in March last year after noticing a shortage of housing in the district.
Their original plan was to buy rental properties, but the proposal didn’t stack up.
Instead, the duo bought seven hectares of land and developed the site into a fully fledged subdivision.
The site is located 100 metres from the Marton gym and swimming pool. It is also within walking distance of Marton School and Rangitı¯kei College.
Gould said it was cheaper to buy a section inmarton and build a new home than buy an existing home in some neighbouring towns.
He has done much of the drainlaying and development work himself to keep costs down.
The site has generated plenty of interest among first-home buyers looking for cheaper investments outside provincial cities.
‘‘That’s bloody great because that’s what we were targeting – attracting some young people and families,’’ Gould said.
‘‘They’re quiet sections and, as you drive into it, they’re all culde-sacs.’’
The sections range from
$110,000 to $150,000.
‘‘We want it to be affordable for people because the market is going through the roof. People are just about paying more in rent than they are a mortgage.’’
Gould said the decision to remove loan-to-value ratio restrictions on residential mortgage lending would encourage first-home buyers.
‘‘Everyone that has kept their job, it gives them a good chance to find something new.’’
The pair had hoped building could start in March, however, the coronavirus pandemic would cause some delays.
Gould has also created a walking track that loops around the development.