The payout to Tauranga homeowners caught up in the Bella Vista saga could top $10,000.

The City Council is offering compensation to 21 homeowners who were forced from their houses, after they were deemed dangerous.

Affected residents are being offered the original purchase price of their homes, plus $10,000 for emotional harm.

Mayor Greg Brownless told Mike Hosking some homeowners are pushing to receive the full 2018 market value of their property.

"In some ways that may not be unreasonable but, you know, Bella Vista Homes has to clear some responsibility though."

LISTEN ABOVE AS GREG BROWNLESS SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING