Simplicity Living has acquired a 6.1-hectare site on Ladies Mile in Queenstown, where it plans to build up to 600 Build to Rent homes.
The homes will be built primarily using concrete, brick, and local schist, with an expected lifespan of over 150 years, and high thermal and acoustic ratings, solar panels, rainwater harvesting.
Amenities will include work-from-home spaces, residents’ lounges and outdoor equipment storage. Extensive landscaping will give the scheme a residential park atmosphere.
“We have been keen to build in Queenstown for a couple of years and have now found the right site.
“It’s a cracker. As one of the most unaffordable and constrained housing locations in New Zealand, we prioritised bringing our high-quality, secure tenure Build to Rent housing solution to the region.”
Shane Brealey, Managing Director, Simplicity Living
Located near Remarkables Park, the site is close to planned schools, shops, and transport links. There will also be extensive car and bike parking, with direct access to local bike trails and the planned gondola development.
The historic Shotover Bridge is a ten-minute walk away, and Queenstown International Airport is just a five-minute drive away.
“This is another example of the sort of thing our KiwiSaver scheme can help make possible. We think it’s a good long-term investment for our members and helps provide warm, dry homes for Kiwi families, in a region that urgently needs them.”
Sam Stubbs, Managing Director, KiwiSaver
Simplicity Living currently has 889 homes under construction across Auckland, including in Remuera, Mt Wellington and Morningside, and announced last week that it will start building another 93 homes in Northcote by the end of the year.
“We’re thrilled that Simplicity Living is bringing this much-needed rental product to the Whakatipu housing market.
“The addition of up to 600 new Build to Rent homes will be a game changer for our community, offering secure long-term rentals.
“It’s a tangible step forward in delivering Action 5D of the Joint Housing Action Plan – working with developers to facilitate and deliver diverse housing options, including Build to Rent developments.”
Glyn Lewers, Mayor, Queenstown
Its long-term plan is to build up to 10,000 homes across New Zealand for secure, long-term renting. Simplicity Living is owned by KiwiSaver and Investment Funds managed by Simplicity NZ Ltd.
