Accommodation in Christchurch

Although accommodation in Christchurch is cheaper than in other major New Zealand cities, high demand and potential for future growth have resulted in rising prices. Desirable homes get snatched up quickly, so you’ll need to act swiftly once you find a property that suits you.

Christchurch's housing market was severely affected by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, which resulted in the destruction of many homes and the demolition of around 10,000 more. Consequently, the city experienced soaring demand and a low supply of accommodation. However, the housing market has since stabilised, and thousands of new homes have been built.

The earthquakes also led to the temporary closure of the city centre, causing many businesses to relocate to the outer suburbs and the industrial area around the airport. As a result, the prices and demand for housing in these areas have increased significantly.

Moving to Christchurch

Areas and suburbs in Christchurch

Christchurch is a diverse city with areas and suburbs to suit all tastes and preferences. The central business district (CBD) is the heart of the city and is home to many offices, restaurants, and shops. The CBD has a range of apartments and flats, making it a convenient location for expats who prefer to live close to their workplaces. However, rental prices in the CBD are generally higher than in other areas in Christchurch, and the availability of properties is limited.

If you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, consider the Christchurch suburbs. The eastern suburbs, such as Sumner, Port Hills, and Redcliffs, offer stunning ocean views and a beachy vibe. These suburbs are perfect if you enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, swimming, and hiking.

The western suburbs, such as Riccarton and Ilam, are home to the University of Canterbury and the Westfield Riccarton shopping mall. These suburbs offer a lively atmosphere, with various restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The outer reaches of Christchurch, such as Rolleston, Prebbleton and Lincoln, provide more space and are popular with expats wanting larger homes.

The southern suburbs of Christchurch, including Cashmere and Halswell, offer a peaceful and scenic setting with many parks, reserves, and walking tracks. These suburbs are perfect if you have a family or simply enjoy a quieter lifestyle.

On the other hand, the northern suburbs, like St. Albans and Merivale, offer a blend of residential and commercial areas, with various shops, cafés, and restaurants. These suburbs offer the perfect blend of suburban living and city-centre convenience.

Lifestyle in Christchurch

Types of accommodation in Christchurch

Housing in the Christchurch city centre is mainly offered in the form of apartment blocks or townhouses, while the suburbs offer mid-sized homes with gardens of varying sizes.

The quality of accommodation varies with the age and location of the property, as well as the damage sustained from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Modern apartment blocks offer compact one or two-bedroom properties, usually with private parking (either behind a security gate or in a designated parking zone) and a communal garden area. Townhouses provide a larger living space, typically within a group of similar properties, whereas older ones tend to be detached. 

It is possible to have a garden area within the city limits. The further from the city centre, the higher the chance of getting a garden and also the bigger the outside areas become.

Owing to design regulations following the earthquakes, new properties are built to a more exacting standard than older buildings, many of which have been altered to meet the new codes. Some properties deemed safe to live in may still have superficial damage, such as minor cracks or internal fittings that aren't entirely level.

These should be corrected in time, and as a tenant, it may be necessary to vacate the property during repairs. Confirming the likelihood of this happening before signing a lease is best.

Furnished or unfurnished

Expats looking for accommodation in Christchurch have the option to rent both furnished and unfurnished properties. Renting a furnished property is an excellent option for those who do not want to bring furniture or prefer to avoid the hassle of buying and moving furniture.

Furnished properties generally have all the necessary appliances and household items, making it easier for expats to settle in.

Short-term rentals

If you’re not looking for a long-term commitment or are unsure about the duration of your stay, you can opt for short-term rentals in Christchurch. Short-term rentals are typically fully furnished and equipped with all the necessary amenities, which can help you settle in more quickly.

The rent for short-term rentals is often higher than for long-term rentals, but the fact that utilities are often included in the rental price could compensate for this. Keep in mind that short-term rentals may have stricter policies regarding deposits and lease agreements.

Finding accommodation in Christchurch

Several websites, such as realestate.co.nz and TradeMe, list properties available for rent or sale and provide links to established estate agents. 

You can find estate agency offices throughout Christchurch, and you shouldn't struggle to find an agent with offerings in your desired area. Many of these agencies also produce property newsletters that you can pick up for free to help with your house hunt.

Useful links

• realestate.co.nz
• TradeMe Properties

Renting accommodation in Christchurch

Renting in Christchurch is reasonably straightforward once a property has been selected.

Making an application

You can apply for accommodation by contacting real-estate agents or landlords, or by responding to advertisements. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) handles housing legislation and all official property renting processes. Once the relevant checks have been done and references verified, the landlord and tenant can sign a lease.

Costs and fees

Rent in Christchurch, as in the rest of New Zealand, is usually paid weekly. Although estate agents have traditionally charged a fee for their services, recent legislation prohibits agents from charging tenants letting fees.

Unfurnished properties are more common than furnished properties in Christchurch, and tenants are therefore required to supply their own furniture and anything else they may need. Be sure to make room in your budget for furnishing your rental property or shipping your belongings to New Zealand.

Deposits

When securing a lease, landlords will frequently require a deposit equivalent to one month's rent and the first two weeks of rent in advance. 

Leases

When using an estate agency, leases tend to be for a fixed term of 12 months and allow for changes to rental agreements when renewing a contract. If dealing directly with the landlord, lease terms can be more variable and even negotiable.

Accommodation in New Zealand
Shipping and Removals in New Zealand

Utilities

In Christchurch, tenants are usually responsible for paying for their utilities, which include water, gas, electricity, rubbish, and recycling. Keep this in mind when budgeting for accommodation.

To set up utilities, you can typically contact the respective utility companies directly or through your property manager. Most utility companies in New Zealand have online portals where tenants can register and manage their accounts, pay bills and view their usage history.

Christchurch City Council is responsible for water, rubbish, recycling, and many other services. You can register for an online account on the council's website, set up automatic payments and view your billing and usage history. Alternatively, you can pay in person at a council service centre.

There are several electricity and gas providers in Christchurch, including Trustpower, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, and Orion. You can compare their rates and plans on websites such as Glimp or Powerswitch. Piped gas is available in Christchurch for both residential and commercial properties.

Two major gas companies, Contact Energy and Nova Energy, supply the gas. If it's not already installed, you’ll need to arrange for a gas fitter to install a gas meter and connect the property to the gas network.

Take note that some properties may have pre-existing contracts with utility companies, and tenants may be required to continue using these providers. Clarifying the utility arrangements with the property manager or landlord before signing a tenancy agreement is essential.

Useful links

• Christchurch City Council
• Glimp
• Powerswitch