Accommodation in Christchurch

Christchurch has a strong English heritage and maintains a large English population. Many street and suburb names nod to this English influence, as does the picturesque River Avon that runs through the inner city. Christchurch has some beautiful parks and public areas, as well as being coastal and having excellent access to surf beaches, swimming spots, and the beautiful Banks Peninsula. In addition, the Southern Alps loom just inland from Christchurch and provide excellent skiing, tramping, and mountaineering opportunities.

Neighborhoods in Christchurch

Christchurch offers all sorts of accommodation options, from apartments and character homes in the city center to sprawling newly-built estates out in the suburbs. It is always a good idea to double-check for earthquake damage before renting or buying in this area, though, as many properties suffered during the 2011 quakes.

If you are open to living out of town, there are some beautiful suburbs outside of the city, and if you don't mind a longer commute, then you could even go as far as Akaroa, a quaint settlement nestled in a harbor on the peninsula.

In Christchurch itself, the main neighborhoods you might consider are:

• Cashmere - A suburb with a village feel on the northern edge of the city. Character buildings, cafes, shops, and the unique Ngaio Marsh House museum add to its charm.
• Fendalton - One of the oldest and wealthiest residential areas of Christchurch, close to the University of Canterbury as well as the international airport.
• Ferrymead - Now home to many of the city's retail facilities after they relocated to this neighborhood after the 2011 earthquake. It also features the Ferrymead Heritage Park, which gives an insight into how the area looked in Edwardian times.
• Ilam - The leafy home of the University of Canterbury, which serves as a quaint college town as well as a retail hub.
• Merivale - A 19th-century neighborhood to the north of the city center that is famous for its mall.
• Addington - A busy, diverse suburb located close to the city center, with a range of amenities and public transport options. This suburb recently was rated as New Zealand's “Sweet Spot”, according to a survey done by media outlet Stuff.co.nz.
• Lyttelton - a quaint port town situated in the Lyttelton Harbour, a natural harbor that is the main port for the city of Christchurch.
• St. Albans - Possibly the largest suburb in Christchurch, situated within walking distance of the CBD and close to shopping and many parks.
• Sumner - A suburb on the seaside - the beach is a favorite with locals.

Read also Working in Christchurch

Christchurch's livability

Though the earthquakes devastated Christchurch's CBD, the city has approached the rebuild proactively, and in 2021, the city was recognized by TIME as one of the world's greatest places to live in due to its resilience and creativity. The city has undergone a transformation since the earthquake, with the opening of new hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. Despite the ongoing recovery process, Christchurch is, overall, considered a great place to live. Like most of New Zealand, it scores well in terms of livability metrics, with high levels of safety and access to health care, housing, and education.

Renting accommodation in Christchurch

According to the Trade Me Rental Price Index, two-bedroom houses rent for around NZ$395 a week in Christchurch, while three to four-bedroom homes rent for an average of NZ$520 a week. However, prices in Christchurch can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, size, and condition of the rental unit, as well as the overall demand for rental housing in the area.

To get a sense of current rental prices in Christchurch, an online search on TradeMe is a great place to start. Tenancy Services also provide a tool for seeing the average rent in a specific area.
Be aware that in New Zealand, landlords are legally obliged to maintain their properties to a set of standards called the Healthy Home Standards. If you are in a home that does not meet these standards, your landlord is legally required to improve the home.

Leases in Christchurch

In Christchurch, and in New Zealand in general, there are standard lease arrangements that are used when renting a property. These arrangements typically involve the following terms and conditions:

• Rent: The amount of rent that the tenant is required to pay to the landlord on a regular basis, usually on a monthly basis.
• Term: The length of time that the lease agreement will be in effect, which can be anywhere from a few months to several years.
• Bond or security deposit: A security deposit that is paid by the tenant at the beginning of the lease, which is used to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy.
• Inventory: A list of all items in the property, such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances, which is used to determine the condition of the property at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
• Maintenance and repairs: The responsibility for maintaining and repairing the property during the tenancy, which is typically the responsibility of the landlord.
• Termination: The process by which the lease agreement can be terminated by either the landlord or the tenant, typically with proper notice.

Landlord and tenant must both sign the lease and agree to its conditions. If there are things in your lease which you believe to be incorrect or unfair, always bring them up before signing anything, and if necessary, contact Tenancy Services.

Good to know:

Some casual renting arrangements, such as boarding or homestays, may not involve paying a bond or signing a lease. Though this may seem like a good hassle-free option, and often it works out well, be aware that contracts like leases are designed to protect tenants as well as landlords, whereas, in a more casual renting situation, you may be evicted with little warning or have less control over the condition of your home. In New Zealand, landlords are under obligations to maintain their properties to specific standards, which may not be followed if you are renting on an informal basis.

Read also Accommodation in New Zealand

Student housing in Christchurch

Like most cities with prominent universities, Christchurch offers several student housing options, such as halls of residence and apartments which are usually on or near campus and can be fully or partially catered.

University of Canterbury: The University of Canterbury offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including traditional halls of residence dormitory-style rooms, apartments, and self-contained studios. There are also several student villages, which provide a mix of room types, common areas, and shared facilities, such as kitchens and lounges.

Lincoln University: Lincoln University offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, including apartments, dormitory-style rooms, and self-contained studios. The university also has several student villages, which provide a supportive and social living environment for students.

CPIT: The Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) offers on-campus accommodation at its Madras Street campus. The accommodation includes shared apartments and self-contained studios, all of which are fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities.

In addition to university-based housing, students may choose to seek out flats or homestays that are not connected to the university. When applying to study in New Zealand, you will be able to seek advice from whichever school you are enrolled in as to what might best suit your needs.

Buying property in Christchurch

In 2022, the median house price in the city was $670,000. However, bear in mind this is the median, and the housing market in Christchurch can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. New Zealand's house prices, until very recently, were experiencing steady growth, whereas 2022 saw the market take a dip. To get a sense of the current state of the housing market in New Zealand (and Christchurch, specifically), the best idea is to check out online real estate listings or contact a real estate agent or property management company for more information – this can be done from outside of New Zealand, too, so that you are well-informed on arrival.

Despite the dip in the housing market, New Zealand property prices are still very high when compared to international housing markets. This is when researching the housing market can be very helpful in terms of finding a property within your budget. Some areas outside the city limits can be more affordable, and there may be rent-to-buy opportunities.

If you have determined you want to buy a property in Christchurch, you will usually have to work your way through the following steps:

• Research and Budgeting: Before you start zeroing in on a property in Christchurch, be sure to research the local housing market and determine your budget to understand what type of property you can afford. This process can be begun overseas so that you are clued in on arrival.
• Getting a Home Loan or Mortgage: Nearly all home loans in Christchurch are done through a bank. A bank specialist or a mortgage broker can help you determine the amount you are eligible for, negotiate an interest rate, and establish the terms of your loan.
• Legal Advice: Consider finding a lawyer for support in the complex legal aspects of buying or selling a property.
• Finding a Property: The fun part! Start your search for a property by browsing online listings, visiting open homes, or contacting a real estate agent for personalized help.
• Due Diligence: Before committing to a property, conduct due diligence to ensure its good condition and that there are no hidden issues. Obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report and consider getting an engineer's structural report and a final valuation.
• Making an Offer: Once you have found a property, make an offer to the seller or participate in an auction.
• Signing a Sale and Purchase Agreement: Upon agreement on the terms of the sale, sign a legally binding Sale and Purchase Agreement.
• Settling the Sale: After the Sale and Purchase Agreement is signed, the sale will be settled, which typically involves transferring ownership of the property and paying the purchase price to the seller.

The cost of buying property in Christchurch

Unfortunately, the cost of the actual house is not the end of the cash you will have to hand over for your new property. There are also several other costs associated with purchasing property and making large, complex transactions of this kind. These include:

• Real estate agent's fees: If you use a real estate agent to help you buy a property, you will be responsible for paying their fee. This fee can be a percentage of the sale price or a flat fee.
• Legal fees: You will need to pay for legal services to help you with the sale. This may include reviewing the Sale and Purchase Agreement, conducting title searches, and transferring ownership of the property.
• Home inspection: It is recommended that you have a professional home inspection done to ensure that the property is in good condition and to identify any potential issues. The cost of a home inspection can vary, but it is usually around $500.
• Land Information Memorandum (LIM) Report: A LIM report is a document that provides information about the property, including any building consents, plans and specifications, and any other relevant information. The cost of a LIM report is typically around $300.
• Valuation report: Before purchasing a property, it is important to get a professional valuation of the property to ensure that you are paying a fair price. The cost of a valuation report can vary, but it is usually around $300.
• Conveyancing fees: Conveyancing is the process of transferring ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer. You will need to pay for the services of a conveyancer to complete this process, and the cost can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction.
• Bank fees: If you are getting a mortgage to finance the purchase of the property, you will be responsible for paying various bank fees, such as application fees, appraisal fees, and title search fees.

It's important to note that these costs can vary, and it is a good idea to get an estimate of these costs from your real estate agent, lawyer, or mortgage broker before making an offer on a property. Always make sure your budget has money set aside for covering such costs.