Tony Ryall
Opposition Housing Spokesman

3 March 2000

700 miss out on home buy dream

Scrapping the HomeBuy scheme will disappoint hundreds of low-income state tenants who were planning to buy their homes, says National's housing spokesman Tony Ryall.

"This will dash the home ownership dreams of many people who have no other way to buy a home."

Mr Ryall welcomed the Housing Minister's decision to let just 350 tenants continue to buy their homes.

"But we've now learned through answers to parliamentary questions that around 700 tenants who had started the HomeBuy process will still miss out.

"They'll be heart-broken. We urge the Government to show some compassion and let these people complete the purchase of their homes."

"Agreeing to 350 sales really was the least Mr Gosche could do; but he needs to go further. Originally he had announced only 140 people with signed contracts could continue, but pressure from tenants and others has widened the net.

"But what about the 700 others who have also applied? These people were seeking finance, selecting a valuer, waiting on valuations or offers from Housing New Zealand. Now they're out of pocket because Mr Gosche has denied them perhaps their only opportunity to buy a home.

"These include sole parents, superannuitants and low-income families trying to make a better life for themselves.

"The Minister should give these people a break. No one will criticise Labour stretching this back-down just a little further," says Mr Ryall.

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