A listing for an original Christchurch Futuro home with no set asking price is racking up dozens of enquiries on Trade Me.
Produced in the early 1970s by Futuro Homes Limited in Christchurch, the house resembles a UFO spaceship. New Zealand is among a handful of countries that had a production license, which was halted by the oil crisis.
The seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, estimates there are around eight or nine Futuro homes left in the country. He first took possession of the Futuro in 2006 when it was moved from a site in Pages Road, New Brighton. It's been on the Christchurch Botanical Gardens archery lawn and at Cathedral Square.
Fourteen years later, due to a change in direction, the Futuro is up for sale.
"It's the 'original tiny home'...it was designed to be used where there was significant wind or snow...this object propels both of those perfectly," the seller said.
Selling the home "as is where is", the seller has no price expectations but says he will negotiate with genuine buyers.
"I'd suggest this Futuro has a celebrity status...it's probably seen the most public viewings," he said.
For people interested in the home's history and restoration, it could be used as a remote ski cabin, or perhaps form part of an existing house extension.
"I believe there's someone who could realise a vision for it that I can't...I'm hoping [it's] an art gallery or a museum, or somebody who sees its architectural historical value."
As it's not a 'relocatable home', it's not listed under property. Although the Futuro can't technically fly, it's listed under the 'aircraft' category.
Trade Me Property spokesperson, Logan Mudge, said he expects the listing to attract a number of collectors.
In 2017, a different Futuro house listed on Trade Me received over 63,000 views. It was bought by an anonymous Kiwi doctor for an undisclosed sum.
'Since it was listed, it's already fetched over 3000 views...this is a unique living opportunity and while it may not be everyone's taste, we look forward to seeing where it lands," Mudge said.
On Tuesday morning, the listing had 1162 watchers and 23 questions. There's no reserve or buy now price. The seller is suggesting potential bidders go to the Futuro website for more information before negotiating a price.
