More than 500 people have already taken forms to enter the draw for budget homes to be built in Southside. And about 100 Bermudians visited an open house on Thursday evening to learn more about the Harbourside Village project.

Harbourside Village is a unique housing concept of 198 homes ? 96 of which will be available at $199,000 for Bermudian families who will qualify through the Bermuda Housing Corporation?s application and screening process and get through the draw. The Property Group are selling the market price homes.

Principal Cris Dapena said she was very pleased with the level of interest and confirmed an additional eight first-time owners were signed up at the second open-house. ?We have received 24 deposits for the market units and hope a further 13 potential owners will commit this week,? she said.

BHC General Manager Vance Campbell said: ?To date, we have circulated in excess of 500 application forms. ?There are bound to be disappointed applicants at the lottery in June. However, this application process will provide the BHC with accurate and up-to-date information on Bermuda?s housing needs that will be of great benefit to the Corporation as we move forward with other initiatives.?

Another open house is scheduled at number one shed, on December 21 at 12 p.m.