Should I invest in Christchurch Rental Property?

If you're thinking about buying property in New Zealand, Christchurch should definitely be on your radar.
It’s more affordable than most other major cities, the market is stable, and there are good opportunities for both rental returns and long-term value growth. Here’s what you need to know – in plain English.

What’s Happening in the Christchurch Property Market?

  • Prices are almost back to peak levels
    Christchurch’s average house value is about $798,000, just below its highest ever point. Most other cities (like Auckland or Wellington) are still a long way behind their peaks.

  • The market is growing steadily
    Over the last 3 months, prices in Christchurch have gone up about 1.4%, showing slow but steady growth – not the big highs and lows we’ve seen in other places.

  • It’s still undervalued
    Property experts at Opes Partners say Christchurch is around 10% cheaper than it should be, based on things like income, demand, and population. That makes it a smart buy.

Is Christchurch Still Affordable?

Yes – and that’s one of its biggest advantages.

  • The average house price is about $120,000 lower than the New Zealand average.

  • There are many suburbs where you can buy good properties under $700,000.

  • It’s popular with first-home buyers and investors who want better value for money.

 What About the Rental Market?

  • Rents are stable, and investors can still get decent returns.

  • Rental demand is healthy, but there are more properties available, which gives tenants options.

  • Some parts of Christchurch (especially new townhouses) may be oversupplied – something to keep an eye on.

Best Areas to Consider

Here are some suburbs recommended by Fraser Flynn and other experts:

Great for standalone homes:

  • Halswell

  • Belfast

  • Redwood

  • Hornby

Good for townhouses and smaller homes:

  • Addington

  • Sydenham

  • Spreydon

Just be cautious about areas where there are lots of new townhouses — too much supply can make it harder to rent out or sell later.

Things to Watch Out For

  • Insurance costs can be higher in Christchurch than other cities.

  • Some areas are prone to flooding or earthquake risk, so always check this before buying.

  • Too many new builds in one area can lower rental income or slow capital growth.

Why Our Clients Like Christchurch...

1) Affordable compared to other big cities
2) Stable market that isn’t rising or falling too fast
3) Growing population and strong demand from first-home buyers
4) Decent rental returns – especially in the right suburbs
5) Mortgage rates are dropping, making it cheaper to borrow

Christchurch is one of the most balanced and investor-friendly markets in New Zealand right now. It may not deliver huge, fast gains – but it offers steady returns, less risk, and better affordability than many other cities.

If you’re a first-time investor or looking to grow your portfolio, it’s definitely worth a closer look.


Want help finding the right property in Christchurch?
Talk to our team for tailored advice and access to top-performing investment properties.


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