A town on Vancouver Island is giving away seven 1970’s era homes for free, but there’s a catch: the new owners will need to find somewhere to put it.
The city of Langford bought out the homes’ owners to build a new interchange that opened last year, and city officials would rather see the properties recycled than turfed.
Matthew Baldwin, Langford’s planning director, says some of the properties are in better shape than others, but the price is right.
“The city can't provide any warranty or make any claims about the conditions of the houses. But for free that seems reasonable,” he told CTV News.
Leif Pridy, of Pridy Bros. House Moving, said transporting properties like this can cost around $15,000, and there are other expenses to consider as well.
“You need to look at foundation costs, re-wiring or new hookup costs, any renovations you want to do. Those sorts of things. So there's a lot more than just the move,” he said.
Neighbours don't understand why anyone would want the aging houses.
“They’re garbage,” said Ken Johnson.
“They’re been sitting there for so long, they’re derelict,” added Susan Johnson.
Despite the criticism, the city thinks the homes could be the right project for someone with a knack for fixing up the ultimate fixer-upper.
The homes are being given away on a first-come first-served basis, and must be removed from the property within 30 days.
