First-home buyers have a chance to get into one of three Housing Corporation homes being made available in Wanganui.
The release is part of the FirstHome Ownership programme and it is the first time homes have become available in the River City.
The programme is aimed at giving people on modest incomes the chance to purchase their own home and the Wanganui houses are part of 400 to be released nationwide over three years.
A total of 38 houses have been sold in other provincial regions since the initiative was launched in October last year.
Sean Bignell, asset development general manager for the corporation, said interest had been high from the start.
"This is an initiative that is committed to providing sound homes to people on modest incomes," Mr Bignell said.
"Those people who are eligible for the scheme have been further supported by the grant of 10 per cent of the purchase price of the property, capped at $20,000 and this has helped them considerably with the deposit," he said.
The homes being offered were state houses no longer needed by Housing NZ.
Applicants must be NZ citizens and first-home buyers, have earned an income equal to or less than the national household average. For one person that is $53,000, and $80,600 for two or more people.
They must also commit to the house for a minimum of three years. For more information go to: www.hnzc.co.nz