New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission (EQC) is reminding owners of on-sold properties in Canterbury in need of repairs they have just six months left to apply for government funding.

A repair scheme being administered by EQC on behalf of the New Zealand Government will cease to be available in mid-August.

EQC is encouraging all current homeowners of on-sold properties who think they may be eligible to notify EQC of any damage now. Criteria for eligibility can be found on the EQC website.

“We’re very pleased to have a way to help on-sold homeowners who haven’t previously had a way to fund repairs to earthquake damage,” EQC Deputy CEO Renée Walker said.

“We need homeowners to get in touch so we can start the process of determining whether they’re eligible, and if they are, helping them to get repairs underway.”

EQC also says potential homebuyers should do thorough research on homes for sale in Canterbury. It “strongly advises” them to invest in a pre-purchase inspection, which should identify any future repair costs.