Many in Christchurch's red zone have now received their offers from the government for their properties. Some will be better off: The GV on their property was higher than what their home was worth on the open market.
For others though it's not so good - and not just financially. There's the emotional cost of cutting ties with their communities.
Like the Stokes family. They have lived in Avonside for a quarter of a century.
The family have featured on Campbell Live several times this year, and reporter Jendy Harper returns to see what decisions they're facing.
Watch the video