In news that may interest those seeking a California property, a new housing development in the state capital of Sacramento is being hailed as a potentially huge boost to the city.

The plan, which involves spending $6 billion (£3.5 billion) on constructing 15,000 homes on a brownfield site in the city, has been described by developers as one that could lead to a rebranding of the city and region, Mercury News reports.

Suheil Totah, vice president of Thomas Enterprises, which owns the property where the homes are planned, told the paper: "This project is really a vehicle that requires strong support from the mayor."

This comment comes as the two remaining mayoral election candidates, Kevin Johnson and Heather Fargo, face an imminent run off.

Mr Johnson has pledged if he wins to enhance the image of the city, something that could boost the value of any new California property investments there.

Sacramento developed as a city after 1848, when gold was first found in the area, sparking a major growth in the mining industry.

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