Ben Squires
Money & Banking

Couple gives away land for 50 struggling families

While there’s generally no shortage of generous acts on Valentine’s Day, few would’ve come close to that of the Brisbane couple who gave 9,000 square metres of land (valued at $2.5 million) to help make homes to 50 struggling families.

Ian and Neva Handy’s generosity will let the not-for-profit Churches of Christ Housing Services begin the construction of a 10.5 million housing project, which is designed to help address the current housing affordability crisis in the region.  

Mr Handy told The Courier Mail they would’ve built townhouses on the property eventually, but felt it would be more effective if a charitable organisation was involved.

Mr Handy said, “It’s a big hunk of land, over 9000sq m. We had it valued and it was about $2.5m. I’m sure a lot of people can benefit from being able to live in those units, they’re well designed for seniors and disabled too.”

COC Housing services general manager Frances Paterson-Fleider acknowledge their generosity, stating, “The financial challenge of developing affordable housing is often about the cost of the land, rather than actual construction costs.

“Our aim is to provide quality housing solutions in empowered communities, with the support of the Handy family we are achieving that here in Kallangur.”

What a lovely gesture. 

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Tags:
finance, housing, Brisbane, Money & Banking