Christmas eviction shock

Just weeks before Christmas, dozens of tenants living near The Palms mall have been given 90 days to move out.

Tenants of about 30 neighbouring Christchurch houses that were previously bought for a mall expansion that never happened have been given 90 days to move out.

The properties, on Marshland and Golf Links roads by The Palms mall in Shirley, have been sold as a single lot by Australian investment fund Dexus, which took them over from previous owner AMP Capital. The houses were left unsold when the latter sold the mall for $88.8 million last year.

The sale of the houses is now unconditional, and the tenants have been told they must leave by early March to provide vacant possession.

Dexus spokesman Luke O’Donnell confirmed the sale but said details, including the identity of the buyer and the price, remain confidential. The land is zoned for redevelopment either as medium density housing or commercial use.

Golf Links Rd resident Hamish McDougall is one of those who received an eviction notice last week.

McDougall, a retiree aged 68, said the property manager had kept them informed about the properties being up for sale, but they had hoped some would still be rented out.

At the very least, he had thought any redevelopment would be gradual, or done in stages, he said.

He said many in the neighbourhood were shocked, partly because of having to find a new home at this time of year.

“It’s bloody lovely, right on Christmas, and we’re going to lose a month because of Christmas. I’ve been here 23 years. They want everybody out. I can’t believe they’re going to knock them all down.”

McDougall said he has started looking for another rental, but it was difficult to find one that would take his 1-year-old terrier, Scout. He also has an adult son living with him, and needs storage space.

“Everyone with a place to rent says ‘no dogs, no dogs’. I’m thinking about getting a caravan because of the dog.” His rent had been inexpensive at $380 a week, and places he had looked at were $500 to $600 a week.

Another tenant, who did not want to be named, said the eviction notice coming right before Christmas was stressful for their family of seven, which includes two children with special needs. He said they were feeling anxious, and had been told there would be no extensions on compassionate grounds.

“For my family, we are faced with a potential rental increase of between 50% and 90% based on the limited properties available.”

The tenant also said they had been told they must have the carpets professionally cleaned before moving out. “I understand reasonably clean and tidy, but it seems unfair and yet another cost burden on tenants, especially if the properties are to be demolished.”

The houses were built between the 1930s and the 1990s, and are on an average section size of 900m². They have been returning a total of $525,000 in annual rent.

Another 16 residential properties in the area also previously owned by The Palms have already been sold. Most have been developed with townhouses.