The Housing Market
In Ōtautahi Christchurch
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, Ōtautahi Christchurch offers a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. Suburban homes with big backyards, lifestyle blocks, seaside living, on the hills with a view or inner-city homes close to work, school and play – the options are endlessly exciting.
The vibrant central city is also creating smart, sophisticated and easy living with new developments popping up everywhere as the city grows. With nearby parks, world-class dining and modern retail shopping a short walk away, central city living is a dream.
Ōtautahi Suburbs At A Glance
The Hills - Cashmere, Huntsbury, Beckenham, St Martins, Kennedy’s Bush, Mt Pleasant
Christchurch is famously known for the majestic Port Hills that frame the city, making a beautiful backdrop for popular neighbourhoods near the hills. It’s easy to see the appeal – lush hills with views over the city, access to incredible walking and biking trails and a short drive to many Banks Peninsula gems
The Sea - Sumner, Redcliffs, Mt Pleasant, New Brighton, Parklands, Ferrymead, Woolston, Pegasus, South Brighton
Living near the ocean is a dream for many. In Christchurch, the eastern suburbs offer that cruisy coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re a young family who love the surf, or a retired couple who want to start each day with a walk on the beach, the seaside is calling.
Inner City - Sydenham, Phillipstown, Merivale, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans, Mairehau, Linwood, Addington, Waltham
Nothing is too far in Christchurch and for those living in the city, everything is at your fingertips. The suburbs in and around the central city have amazing access to all the latest amenities, with more options every year. Popular for those that work in the city and want a sustainable commute, or those looking to get into a new town house or apartment.
Family Friendly (section size, parks & schools nearby) - Spreydon, Halswell, Redwood, St Martins, Shirley, Hornby, Parklands, Burnside, Somerfield, Avonhead
In Christchurch there is space to grow and put down roots. With an abundance of family friendly neighbourhoods, you can have the big backyard and garden you’ve always dreamed of. Think safe communities with parks and playgrounds nearby, schools walking distance and plenty of room to expand.
Handy To Shops And Entertainment - Lyttelton, Riccarton, Addington, City Centre
For those who like spending Sunday mornings at a local cafe or Friday nights at their regular bar, these suburbs make it easy. Settle into an area with a sense of community, great retail nearby and hospitality hotspots a short walk from home.
Lifestyle Blocks - Yaldhurst, West Melton, Tai Tapu, Banks Peninsula, Belfast
Both space and privacy can be hard to come by when searching for a home, but not in Christchurch - especially when looking a little further out of town. If a lifestyle block is what you are after, there are a handful of quiet, friendly suburbs you’ll be delighted to discover.
Most Affordable - Phillipstown, Aranui, Wainoni, Bromley, Linwood, Woolston, Edgeware, Waltham, New Brighton, Addington, Richmond
For first time buyers or those looking for a more affordable property, one of these city fringe suburbs is the place to look. Close enough to the city that commutes are quick and easy, you’ll find plenty of character in these nooks around Christchurch.
Housing Costs
The median house price in Christchurch over the year to August 2022 was $678,000.
Use Core Logic’s handy mapping the market tool as it tracks the median house prices across every suburb in Ōtautahi Christchurch, allowing you to compare affordability in different parts of the city and how house prices have changed over time. As of September 2022, the Christchurch suburbs with the highest median prices were in Scarborough, Fendalton, Kennedy’s Bush & Merivale, while the lowest median house prices were in Aranui, Phillipstown, Wainoni and Bromley.
Looking At Renting Or Buying An Investment Property?
Check what the average weekly rent is using Tenancy Service’s Market Rent tool.
Christchurch City Council provides information you need before you buy or develop a property or change its use – read their helpful guide.
Finding The Perfect Home
There’s no denying it’s not an easy time to be a first home buyer but there are things you can do to get ahead of the game.
Trade Me Property Sales Director Gavin Lloyd share’s his top five tips for first home buyers:
- Tech is your best friend! You can use saved searches on Trade Me to make sure you are on top of any new listings that meet your requirements.
- Get your ducks in a row to make sure you are prepared.
- Talk to your bank to get preapproval and be clear on your budget - that way you’ll be good to go when the right house comes up.
- Be realistic about your expectations. Think about the features that are really important to you, then focus on finding a house that ticks most of your boxes.
- Get to know the market by doing research, visiting plenty of open homes and chatting with agents. This can be a time-consuming process but it’s well worth it.
School Zones
Canterbury is home to a wide range of schools that cater to different needs, subject options and learning styles. Although many schools are solidly zoned depending on where you live, there can still be options to best suit your family.
Check out the map of Christchurch school zones.
