Christchurch homeowners who bought their properties based on EQC paperwork saying they'd been scoped, assessed and repaired, but later discovered significant damage, explain why they're taking the Crown agency to court.

Nine homeowners, who share their stories here, are part of a class action against EQC, which they say is not taking responsibility for their damaged homes.

They bought their homes after the 2010 and 2011 quakes because they trusted EQC paperwork that said they'd been fixed and were safe and sound.

They later discovered assessments missed major damage, or the repairs were not good enough.

In many cases, even if EQC did go over the $100,000 cap, their insurance companies would not claim responsibility, because they did not insure the homes when the initial damage occurred.

There are now 685 owners of on-sold who have little or no recourse. Many are paying off mortgages worth far more than what their homes are worth.

EQC Minister Megan Woods has previously said she is committed to see what EQC can do for owners of on-sold homes, and legislative change may be needed.