A new subdivision northeast of Queenstown offering 30 houses for between $485,000 and $650,000 each has been launched.
Vista Management Ltd director Paul Horrell, of Queenstown, said Hayes Creek, situated on the fringe of Lake Hayes Estate off State Highway 6 at Ladies Mile, would comprise a total of 37 "turnkey" homes, where the building process would be taken care of from start to finish and owners could build for less than they could buy an existing house.
The first release, on a 16.9ha block, comprised 30 sections.
The houses, all with three and four bedrooms, were priced between $485,000 and $650,000, and would be built on lots ranging in size from 450sq m to 8000sq m, with an average size of 1000sq m.
Under the turnkey concept, buyers would only have to choose their interior colours, carpet and curtains.
Hayes Creek Ltd was originally launched earlier this year after the project gained resource consent.
Southern Lakes Real Estate was contracted to market the properties.
"Unfortunately, it hit the tough economic times," Mr Horrell said.
He considered how to market the development and decided to "turn it over in bulk and deliver a good quality product".
Hayes Creek Ltd had its "dry launch" in Queenstown on Tuesday night and the feedback was "very positive".
The developers hope title on the sections will come through next April at which point earthworks could begin.
Stonewood Homes would be responsible for building the properties, but would utilise local companies and tradesmen where possible.
The houses were expected to be completed by the end of Christmas next year.
Mr Horrell said he was "pretty positive" about the concept and the company had another 26-lot subdivision planned in North Invercargill, to be launched next year.
It might also expand the turnkey concept further afield where bare land was available and there was a need for affordable housing.
Southern Lakes Real Estate and Hayes Creek Ltd will launch the development in Queenstown on October 24.
