Hamilton City Council today voted to put pensioner housing on the market to social housing providers from February 23.
The tenancy of those currently living in the units will be protected, and they will be able to stay indefinitely. Units that are vacant must continue to be used for social housing for 10 years following the sale in order to prevent a decrease in social housing provided in Hamilton.
Councillor Philip Yeung said social housing is different from pensioner housing, and the amount of pensioner housing may decrease as a result of the sale.
Councillor Margaret Forsyth said youth were the most vulnerable in society currently, and there needed to be social housing available to them also.
Any remaining unsold units will be brought back to council for further consideration.