ORA’s Secure Homes programme gives you the opportunity to own a warm, modern, energy-efficient home at a price that’s genuinely within reach.
It’s real home ownership — designed to be stable, predictable, and secure over the long term. For many people, it offers a far better alternative to renting, and a clearer pathway to financial security.
What You Own
When you buy an ORA Secure Home, you own your home.
You live in it, look after it, personalise it, insure it, and enjoy all the everyday freedoms that come with home ownership. There is no landlord, no risk of eviction, and no sudden rent increases.
Your ownership is protected by a 125-year renewable ground lease, registered in your name, giving you lifelong security and the ability to pass your home on or sell it in the future.
How It Works
Secure Homes use a leasehold homeownership model inspired by the Community Land Trust (CLT) approach — a long-established model used internationally — that separates the cost of the home from the cost of the land.
You purchase the home itself, while the land is held in long-term guardianship by the ORA Whenua Trust, an independent charitable trust established to hold land permanently for community benefit. By removing land speculation from the equation, this structure helps keep homes permanently more affordable.
As a homeowner, you pay:
- An upfront purchase price based on the true cost to build your home (plus a capped 5% developer margin)
- A modest monthly ground rent, covering land stewardship and administration
- Shared community fees, which maintain common spaces, services, and amenities — similar to body corporate or residents’ association fees in other neighbourhoods, and kept modest through not-for-profit management.
Because you’re not buying the land, the upfront price is significantly lower than comparable market homes.
This structure is widely used internationally and is supported by long-term, registered lease arrangements.
What This Means for You
With an ORA Secure Home, you get:
- Long-term housing stability
- Clear ownership rights and responsibilities
- The ability to build equity over time
- Lower upfront cost than traditional home ownership
If you decide to sell, you can do so at any time. A clear resale formula applies — based on your original purchase price plus an inflation adjustment — helping protect your investment while ensuring the home remains affordable for the next household..
Who Secure Homes Are For
ORA Secure Homes are designed for people who want a stable, high-quality home but are priced out of the traditional market.
This includes:
- First-home buyers
- Essential workers
- Growing families
- Retirees seeking long-term security and connection
By holding land in community guardianship, ORA ensures affordability isn’t a one-off benefit — it’s something that stays in place for generations.
Want to know more?
For a clear, plain-English explanation of how ORA Secure Homes work — including ownership, costs, and resale — see our Homeowners Guide.
Register your interest
If you’re interested in an ORA Secure Home, you’re welcome to register your interest to receive updates about future homes and developments.
Registering your interest is obligation-free and does not commit you to purchasing a home. It simply helps us understand demand and keep you informed as opportunities arise.