Over 100 people show interest in Grand Atlantic homes
More than 100 people have made inquiries about homes at the Grand Atlantic complex since Government announced a 100 percent financing deal.Public Works Minister Michael Weeks last night told the House of Assembly interest has soared following Monday’s announcement of the deal through Butterfield Bank offering people the chance to buy with no money down.Before this week, the Warwick South Shore condos had attracted no buyers since ground was broken 18 months ago.Mr Weeks told the House last night: “As of close of play yesterday, 102 people have made inquiries about the availability of houses.”The Minister was speaking on a point of information in the Motion to Adjourn after Southampton MP Charlie Swan suggested the properties be turned into tourist accommodation.Mr Swan, who was elected as a United Bermuda Party MP, had told the House: “There’s no demand from the intended recipients of low-cost housing.”After Mr Weeks’ interjection, Mr Swan said he found the sudden interest odd, because the housing has turned out to be more middle-cost than low-cost. Prices range from $495,000 for a two-bedroom to $665,000 for a three-bedroom.Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert then said he was confident demand for housing would increase in years to come, meaning the condos would not go to waste.Mr Furbert said the cry for more housing had gone up from Opposition parties, including the United Bermuda Party he used to lead, at each of the last three elections.In building Grand Atlantic, the Progressive Labour Party was simply responding to such calls, said Mr Furbert.Veteran Sandys Government MP Walter Lister said the UBP Government had not built any houses in the final 13 years it was in power.