'Ambitious programme' spells good news for first-home buyers

Government unveils 10,000 new homes for Kiwi families, 3,500 of which will be affordable KiwiBuild homes

'Ambitious programme' spells good news for first-home buyers

The government has announced that the first stage of its “ambitious programme” to transform Mangere with 10,000 new homes for Kiwi families is underway.

On July 13, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Phil Twyford opened the Mangere Development Information Centre and visited the first lot of old state houses being replaced with a combination of new state houses, KiwiBuild and affordable homes, and market homes.

Twyford said the redevelopment will include up to 3,500 affordable KiwiBuild homes for first-home buyers.

“Now consultation with affected families has been undertaken, we can lay out the plans publicly,” he said. “Over a period of 10-15 years, 2,700 worn-out state houses will be replaced by 10,000 new homes. This will comprise approximately 3,000 new state houses, 3,500 new KiwiBuild and affordable homes, and 3,500 market homes.”

Thirty-five state houses are being demolished to be replaced by 66 more state houses and 100 other homes, at least half of which will be built under the KiwiBuild programme. Building will start in the next few months and are expected to be finished mid-2019.

“I am determined that the local community benefits from this redevelopment and are not priced out of the new homes,” Twyford said. “HLC are working to keep the prices of KiwiBuild homes as low as possible.”

The minister said prices and exact numbers will be finalised as building contracts are agreed. Long-term rent and shared equity options are also under development.

“Building up to 3,500 KiwiBuild homes in Mangere will give local families a realistic shot at homeownership,” he added. “With new homes for families and access to light rail, this is going to be a great outcome for the Mangere community.”