fact cost Government more than $18 million, it was revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.

With the property's $15 million price tag, the sale would generate some $3.3 million in tax revenues if bought by a foreigner, according to Opposition MP for Smith's North Allan Marshall .

Mr. Marshall said the tax income could be used to build some 27 low-income housing units to help relieve the current housing crisis.

But Pembroke East Central MP Stanley Morton was quick to question the United Bermuda Party as to why they had not made more housing available while in power.

The Grape Bay residence was put on the market last year in an effort by the US to reduce expenditure. The annual upkeep of the property runs well into six figures.

The possibility of the purchase of Chelston as a Premier's residence has been blasted by many as a waste of taxpayers' money.

Living high: Chelston, the residence of the US Consul General in Paget.