Fifteen abandoned Murupara houses, sections and commercial properties have been put up for sale by the Whakatane District Council.
Legally, a property may be declared "abandoned land" if rates have not been paid for more than three years and the ratepayer is either unknown, cannot be found, is dead and has no personal representative; or if they have given notice that they intend to abandon or have already abandoned the land.
The Murupara properties have been declared abandoned and the Whakatane District Council has been given authority by the Rotorua District Court to sell the properties.
All overdue rates and fines on the properties have been wiped.
Nine residential sections in Kowhai Ave, Tawa St, two in Rimu Rd, Pohutukawa Dr, Karamea St, Hinau Pl and two in Kahikatea St will be available to buyers.