A 12-section subdivision in Dorset St, in Tapanui, was opened up to the market last year and construction of the first house on one of the sections has begun.
At a West Otago Community Board meeting last week, chairwoman Barbara Hanna said it was the third house built in Tapanui this year which was ''very good'' for the town.
''I don't think you can get a house in Tapanui at all any more.''
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said more than 100 new rateable sections had been developed in the district over the past 12 months which helped relieve costs for everyone.
''An addition in our critical mass meant a reduction for all.''
He told the Otago Daily Times later that the new properties in the district enabled a saving of about 0.4% in rates. Combined with the recent sale of council forestry land, it would eventually mean a reduction of about 0.5%.
''Collectively, that's two positive initiatives that equate to savings for all ratepayers of just under 1%,'' Mr Cadogan said.
While some towns needed to ''lift [their] act up'', some had achieved growth and success, which was good for the whole district.
''I'm encouraged by the signs that we can alleviate some of the burden of the rates while in no way altering the level of service we give to ratepayers,'' Mr Cadogan said.
Clutha District Council regulatory services group manager David Campbell said the number of building consents had increased from previous years, including those for farm buildings.
Clutha district councillor John Herbert said it was ''really positive'' the house was being built in Tapanui.
