Adding 70 military homes to Moncton market won't hurt, realtor says

A Moncton realtor doesn't think adding 70 of 74 surplus military homes to the real estate market will cause any problems.

The federal government plans to sell the homes located in Acadia Park, in the city's west end, this fall — either individually, or to a developer.

Dwayne Hayes, the manager of Royal LePage Altantic, says it's already a buyers' market in the city, with about 4,100 homes for sale.

But he isn't worried about the influx of single and semi-detached houses that are no longer needed by the Department of National Defence.

"That first-time home buyer market with that price range of those homes will certainly attract home buyers to the market," said Hayes.

'Could be a draw for the neighbourhood'

"This could be a draw for the neighbourhood. There's lot of amenities around — the schools, you're close to downtown, you're close to the parks. So if the homes enter the market, we should get a draw — some young professionals, first-time home buyers, some downsizers — so it should be a very positive thing," he added.

In May, more than 100 people attended a public meeting to discuss what will happen to the homes.

Many expressed concerns that the sale of the homes could flood an already saturated real estate market, driving down the value of other houses in the neighbourhood.

The Department of Employment and Social Development Canada wants to use four of the homes for a project to help prevent and reduce homelessness.

Employment and Social Development Canada has said the project would have to be supported by the local community and the City of Moncton.

Resident David Maynard says he's not sure about that idea, but would like to see the rest of the homes sold.

"I think people who truly want to live there and purchase that house will have a lot more respect for the neighbourhood and a lot more respect for the homes," he said.

Public Works and Government Services Canada has said the public will be consulted throughout the process.