The temporary homes set up following the earthquakes in Christchurch will eventually become part of the social housing network.

The government announced yesterday the sale of 42-units from the Linwood village to the Christchurch City Council.

The Otautahi Community Housing Trust will now manage the tenancies in the village on behalf of the council.

Trust Chief Executive Cate Kearney said they will continue to manage earthquake recovery requirements at the Linwood site.

She said the Trust will continue to use the homes to house those affected by the rebuild, but will then look to move the houses to other sites, where they will be used for social housing.

"The furthest start date is 2021 - we're working through a case now to see when is reasonable to start moving some of the houses off."

The Christchurch City Council has committed to returning the Linwood site into a green space over the next few years.

While not disclosing the actual price the Government is getting for selling the properties, Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith is describing the transaction as being close to a gift.

"The Government is technically selling the units to the Christchurch City Council, but it is a bit of a sweetheart deal to help them with their council housing."

Dr Smith also confirmed ten of the 20 homes from the Rawhiti village had been purchased by quake stricken farmers in Hurunui and Kaikoura.

"There are about another 12 that are expressing interest - it is possible that if all of those remaining ten are not taken up, that they may be sold."

However, he says if they don't get purchased, the government will look at selling them to the Christchurch City Council.

"I think it is more likely that all 20 of the Rawhiti units will be used to support Kaikoura."