Barclay’s listing pays

Disgraced Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay looks likely to be heading overseas with a tidy profit from the sale of his Arrowtown home.

Barclay bought his threebedroom home in Butel Park for $644,000 in April last year.

Yesterday, it was on the market for $925,000, and Queenstown real estate agent Chris Campbell said it was already under contract.

If it sells for the asking price, that would be a profit of $281,000 in about 17 months.

Campbell says that reflects the reality of the Queenstown market, which has surged in the past year.

‘‘It’s not like he’s punching above the market as far as the price goes,’’ Campbell said.

The house has three bedrooms, and access to a heated pool, a gym and a tennis court.

Barclay, who remains an MP until the general election two weeks, is leaving for London on Tuesday seeking employment opportunities, Mountain Scene reported yesterday.

He has not answered phone calls but held a leaving party in Queenstown last Friday.

Barclay remains on his full $165,000 a year salary, earning more than $3000 a week before tax, and also receives travel and accommodation expenses.

National’s Clutha-Southland candidate for this year’s election is Hamish Walker.