UNITEC's building students are churning out the houses this year - in time for Auckland's housing boom.

As part of their studies the students normally build four houses a year, which are then sold to the public, but this year they'll have completed five houses by July.

"The market has definitely picked up and the number of enquiries have quadrupled from this time last year," says Denis Kinraid, the project co-ordinator. "One buyer had to pull out because they were unable to shift the house onto their land as they intended, and I have re-sold it already."

Mr Kinraid says the building class is slightly bigger this year, but puts the increase in the number of houses down to the students' enthusiasm and the input of their tutor, Anne Taylor.

"We've got a really keen bunch of students this year. They're so highly motivated and they seem to be ploughing through the work.

"I think a lot of credit also goes to Anne. She's had a lot of experience in working with groups - particularly on the volunteer Habitat houses project - and she's been in the building industry a long time."

Daniel Fuemana, a senior carpentry lecturer at the UNITEC Applied Technology Institute, believes the houses are extremely good value, and this has fuelled demand. "The houses are of a high quality and are built to the book," he says. "There are enough nails in them to sink a battleship."

Each three-bedroom, two-bathroom house sells for approximately $72,000. In the past, houses have been transported to sections in Auckland and as far away as Waiheke Island and the Coromandel.

Mr Fuemana says Anne Taylor keeps the standards high. "Anne has a good rapport with her students and brings a great deal of expertise and skill to the project."

If you're interested in a UNITEC house, contact Denis Kinraid on (09) 815 4321 ext 7006.

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