62 | Bredins Line Developments T T Kelly Deeks Rookie developers boost Marton’s growth The development has brought 40 new sections to the charming rural village. DEVELOPMENT Mike and Rachel Maher’s ‘inkling’ that Marton was going to grow has become real, and the couple’s decision to invest in a sizeable plot just five minutes’ walk from the vibrant and historical town centre has now brought 40 new sections to the charming rural village. The Mahers moved from the Manawatu to Marton in the Rangitīkei district in 2009, settling into the village and their respective professions of secondary school teacher and physiotherapist. Rural people at heart, they bought a five-acre block with no intention of development at that time – it was a place for them to raise a few cattle and have a bit of land around them. In 2017, a neighbouring five-acre block came up for sale. “It was such a cool location, just five minutes’ walk to the town centre, and we thought if Marton was ever going to grow, this would be the place for it to grow into,” says Mike. Within three to four months of their purchase, Marton started to see a bit of a housing boom. The local mayor came around to the Mahers’ place and spoke of the town’s need for new houses, and offered any assistance to get their development kick-started. The two were first-time developers and chose a small-ish sub-division to start, creating Henty Lane off Bredins Line, and making eight sections to test both the market and their mettle. Versatile Whanganui and Jennian Homes Manawatu were engaged to build the houses, which were all sold by 2019. With their method proven, Mike and Rachel got stuck into creating another 32 sections on Campbell Place off Bredins Line. The market was booming, and all 32 sold within six days. Six have since dropped out due to sunset clauses, illness, and relationship breakdowns, and these remain for sale to interested parties. Mike and Rachel built an expert team around them, which has been invaluable help in navigating the risks and pitfalls of residential property development. The biggest issue so far has been the wet winter of 2022, when work had to stop for about five months, and the issuing of titles was delayed. A lot of the buyers were locals, friends and associates of the Mahers, so the bad news was graciously received by all. Henty Lane and Campbell Place have been divided into sections of differing sizes, ranging from 450sqm to 1100sqm, allowing the Mahers to avoid the dreaded cookie- cutter look, as well as have something to offer for people and families of all shapes and sizes. Mike says Marton is a beautiful town that has all the amenities and services necessary for the perfect small-town, affordable lifestyle. Recent growth has come from Marton being a viable alternative to the nearby Whanganui and Palmerston North, both easily commutable a mere 30-minute drive away. If the market picks up, and the right property can be sourced, the Mahers are keen to continue flexing their development muscles, while still very focused on progressing their careers. They say it can be done in spare hours, because once the team is in place, it is just a matter of ticking things off and keeping things moving. Their own new home on Campbell Place is now in the planning stages with design by nationally recognised architect and Marton local Felicity Wallace. It will be built by Todd Sutton and the team from Richards Construction. (OMESȩDESIGNEDȩFOR THEȩWAYȩ+IWISȩLIVE !ȩHOMEȩFORȩEVERYȩLIFESTYLE 7HATEVERȩSTAGEȩYOU REȩAT 6ERSATILEȩHASȩAȩHOMEȩFORȩYOU ȩ&IND OUTȩMOREȩABOUTȩOURȩRANGESȩTODAY 6ERSATILEȩ7ANGANUI ȩ(EADSȩ2OAD ȩ'ONVILLE ȩ6%23!4),%ȩ VERSATILE CO NZ RICHARDS CONSTRUCTION B U I L D I N G T H E R A N G I T I K E I rconstr22@gmail.com Todd (027) 4597412 NEW BUILDS | FARM BUILDINGS LIGHT COMMERCIAL | ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS We cover a wide range of addition and alteration work from the smallest of jobs to large jobs. Looking to Build or renovate? Proudly Supporting Bredins Line Developments Proud to be associated with Bredins Line Developments Electrical Reticulation and Lighting Experts www.thedownsgroup.co.nz Phone: 06 327 0017
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