5 affordable homes soon to be offer
THE number of affordable homes in Wanaka is set to increase by five, with expressions of interest being sought soon.
Next month the Community Housing Trust Queenstown Lakes will be opening expressions of interest for five new affordable secure homes in Northlake.
Housing Services manager Corina Sommerville said she had noticed a shift in people renting and homeowners since Covid19.
‘‘PreCovid we had more renting. I feel now people are wanting to put roots down,’’ she said.
The trust offers a staggered, supportive approach towards independent home ownership.
It provides public housing — formerly known as state housing — rental alternatives and secure homes.
To provide the secure home affordable option, the trust retains the ownership of the land while the new homeowner buys the house.
Lilian Puentes, a single mother of three teenagers, said she found it hard to become a homeowner, despite having a wellpaid, fulltime job.
‘‘My kids are still dependent on me, and I have to provide for them,’’ she said.
She originally lived in Queenstown and due to external circumstances, moved to Wanaka.
As a single income earner she has still found it challenging.
Ms Puentes was hopeful the secure home option could provide ongoing support and security for her family.
In Northlake the price estimates for the secure homes could be about $480,000.
The land was bought from the developer early in 2021 and donated to the trust through the inclusionary zoning process.
Four secure homes exist in Wanaka at present, with some of these in the adjacent Hikuwai subdivision.
Expressions of interest for the secure homes will be opening in the next six to eight weeks and relevant documents can be found on the Community Housing Trust Queenstown Lakes website.