The Christchurch City Council has indicated for the first time that homes may be able to be rebuilt in some of the city's red zones.
The council identified 70 Port Hills properties at risk of cliff collapse or rock fall that could be made safe.
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Some properties that were left red-zoned after the earthquakes could be back up for sale.
Former property owner Nicolas Scott said "The reason we were told it was red zoned was because of cliff collapse and that there was a massive crack running down through this section, which actually split our house in half."
The Christchurch City Council confirmed it may allow some rebuilds after receiving the land from the Crown.
Christchurch City Council spokesman Brendan Anstiss said, "No mitigation's possible to prevent cliff collapse but you can change the size or the orientation of the property boundaries."
Former owners of the properties will get the first option to buy them back, but they're frustrated with the process.
Former property owner Teresa Dana had been told homes could never be rebuilt.
"My first reaction when I heard it this time was, 'Wow, never's not that long'."
It will take two years to reach a decision with the fate of the wider red zone undecided.
The future of Christchurch's red zones is still uncertain, six years after the earthquakes.
Newshub.
