The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has called for a register of homes that insurers have written off after the Canterbury earthquakes.

A housing shortage is forecast in Christchurch as the rebuild ramps up and there are concerns that as time passes people might seek to buy houses without knowing insurers have written them off.

ICNZ Insurance Manager John Lucas told insuranceNEWS.com.au that under privacy laws, the history of a property may not be readily available.

He says a register would enable insurers, banks and homebuyers to be fully informed.