First KiwiBuild homes ready
The first set of KiwiBuild homes in Auckland are ready and homeowners will be in by Christmas, Housing Minister Phil Twyford says.
Eighteen KiwiBuild homes have been completed in Liberation Rd in the south Auckland suburb of Papakura at the McLennan development.
There are 12 three-bedroom homes priced at $579,000 and six four-bedroom homes priced at $649,000.
Every house will be sold through a ballot which opens on September 10.
That process will run for four weeks. ‘‘This is a desirable and fast-growing community surrounded by shops and schools,’’ Twyford said.
‘‘This is exactly the kind of community that young Kiwi families who want a crack at home ownership will be thrilled to be able to live in,’’ Twyford said.
Another 12 new houses are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
‘‘Next year, another 58 KiwiBuild homes will be built at McLennan, the majority of which will be three-bedroom,’’ Twyford said.
‘‘We’re going to put a big emphasis on building whole new communities with great transport connections around the rail network particularly.
‘‘KiwiBuild houses are going to be everywhere, in all of the main centres where there is a demand for affordable housing.’’
Residents Anna and Jos Laurent moved into the area 21⁄2 years ago through a former affordable homes scheme.
‘‘We’re just so grateful to have bought a house in Auckland and it’s a great community to live in,’’ Anna Laurent said.
Jos Laurent said they had a neighbourhood watch network and a good relationship with the Papakura police station.
Their ideal neighbours would be ‘‘young families, young professionals, anyone who shares the same idea to live in a safe and positive neighbourhood’’.
The showhome opens on September 8.
Twyford said anyone considering entering the ballot for KiwiBuild homes at McLennan should get a thorough understanding of the property first.