Sales surge in new Chch subdivision

A damaged car in the middle of the road in the Christchurch suburb of Bexley. The suburb was hit hard because of flooding and liquefaction. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

A Christchurch land developer claims to have done half an average year's trading in popular western land on the rural fringes in the last few weeks.

Hamish Wheelans of Gillman Wheelans, said his firm was developing at Yaldhurst and West Melton.

Alluvial free-draining gravel and stone-laden land in the area on the Christchurch International Airport side of the city near the main West Coast Road did not suffer extensively from either the September of February quakes.

The western subdivisions are furthermost from the swampy eastern river-side, seaward areas where liquefaction caused so much damage.

Gillman Wheelans sold 36 sections at Delamain at Yaldhurst and Preston Downs at West Melton in the six weeks since the earthquake.

"These sales are significantly related to the earthquake. The fact that both of these developments were totally clear of liquefaction in both earthquakes has much appeal," he said.

The sections are selling from $140,000 to $240,000. Two spec homes built by the developer and on the market for $400,000 range, have been sold, he said.