Storm-hit property gets new owners

Auction winners Errol and Lynette Freeman hope to build on the damaged Marahau waterfront property they have bought for $90,000.

Charmed by its ‘‘location and opportunity’’, the Nelson couple were able to see beyond the dilapidated state of the condemned house that sits at the rear of the site at the base of a large slip.

The property at 553 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Rd made headlines in February when its tenant had to flee with her children as ex-Tropical Cyclone Gita pummelled the area. Gita’s force brought down trees, mud and other debris on to the property, much of it still rammed up against the back of the house, which has been deemed ‘‘dangerous and insanitary’’.

In the leadup to the auction, Nicola Chambers, of Ray White Motueka, was upfront about the potential challenges facing any new owners. She said they would be required to get consent to remove the condemned house, with no guarantee of building a new dwelling on the site.

As more than 35 people gathered yesterday before the bidding began, Ray White auctioneer Brent Sturm honed in on the positives, singling out opportunity and location – the Otu¯ whero Inlet is across the road from the site. ‘‘It’s a fabulous location, north-facing with beautiful views and lots of sun.’’

It initially appeared as though the auction might be over at $75,000 when it went to the ‘‘third and final call’’, but that was when Errol Freeman made his first bid, of $80,000. That also went to the third call, as did another person’s offer of $85,000 before Freeman raised it to $90,000 and won.

Lynette Freeman said the couple already had a bach at Marahau and knew the area well. They ‘‘sort of’’ came with a plan to buy the Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Rd property and did not go above the limit they set themselves.

Sturm said it was a good auction, with six bidders. One of the vendors confirmed that they were pleased with the result.

Sturm said that in his 15 years as an auctioneer, he had never sold a property like it. ‘‘We didn’t know what was going to happen.’’

LUZ ZUNIGA/STUFF The new owners of a Marahau property ravaged by ex-Tropical Cyclone Gita face more than a few challenges after paying $90,000 for it at auction yesterday.