Bennetts Road | Rotorua
The Bennetts Road development in Koutu, Rotorua was delivered by Home in Place in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Watchman Capital.
Completed in November 2025, the development comprises 28 three-bedroom, two-bathroom affordable rental homes for low to moderate income households, including key workers across healthcare, education, early childhood education, retail, hospitality and emergency services.
The homes were delivered through the New Zealand Government’s Affordable Housing Fund, with rents set at 80% of market rent. The affordable rental model helps provide greater housing choice for working households who may not qualify for social housing but for whom private market rents can be difficult to afford.
The 28 Home in Place managed homes form part of a wider 58-home residential development delivered by Watchman Capital. The first residents moved into their new homes in December 2025, with strong demand for the affordable rentals.
Quality homes for local whānau
The modern, family-friendly homes feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms and off street parking.
Each home has a Homestar 6+ rating, providing a warmer, healthier and more energy efficient home while helping households reduce energy use and ongoing living costs.
Located in the established suburb of Koutu, the development is close to local schools, shops and transport, helping residents stay connected to employment, education, services and the wider Rotorua community.
The development was officially opened in December 2025, with Ngāti Whakaue representatives marking the occasion with karakia, mihi and waiata.