The first house relocation by the NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) will occur this week, as residents bordering Mt Pleasant Estate received a letter outlining activities over the next four weeks.

The letter said that the first home was to be moved on Tuesday, November 19 (yesterday), followed by one home moved to its site each week. The recent wet weather may cause delays to the relocation date; however, it is highly likely that all four homes will be in place and ready for refurbishment before Christmas.

The homes will be moved at 12 midnight in accordance with road permit requirements.

The four houses (pictured below) have caused much discussion among local Just Street and Dudley Street residents. They are concerned the houses will be refurbished to a substandard level, therefore affecting the aesthetics of the neighbourhood and potentially property values.

The NSWRA has promised the houses will be finished to a standard like two others that have been built on Just Street.

The refurbishment process will run well into 2025. During that time, it will be closely watched by residents.

There is one group who hopes the move and refurbishment progress quickly. The potential new owners.

Thirty to forty people have registered an expression of interest to purchase one of the four homes.

These people have been flood-affected and have received a buyback.

The million-dollar question is, will the houses be affordable?

This is Stage 1 of the Mt Pleasant Estate. The Master Plan includes the building of 39 houses and townhouses (3), which will include houses sharing communal land.