Housing and schools
Explore Ōtautahi Christchurch's diverse housing market, from family homes and seaside living to vibrant inner-city apartments. Discover price trends and school options to find your perfect fit.
Living here
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 as the city grows. With nearby parks, world-class dining and modern retail shopping a short walk away, central city living in Ōtautahi is a dream.
House prices in Christchurch
The median house value in Christchurch in December 2024 was $696,000, lower than the New Zealand median of $780,000.
Use Core Logic’s handy mapping the market tool to track the median house prices across every suburb in Ōtautahi Christchurch. This allows you to compare affordability in different parts of the city and how house prices have changed over time.
As of January 2025, the Christchurch suburbs with the highest median prices were in Scarborough, Kennedys Bush, Fendalton and Merivale, while the lowest median house prices were in Phillipstown, Linwood, Aranui and Wainoni.
School zones in Christchurch
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.
Christchurch 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 framing the city, making a beautiful backdrop for nearby neighbourhoods. 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, Southshore
Living near the ocean is a dream for many. In Christchurch, there are many suburbs that offer that cruisy coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re a young family who loves the surf or a retired couple who wants 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. Perfect for commuters that work in the city, or those opting for town house living.
Family friendly
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, the big backyard you’ve always dreamed of is possible. 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, these 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.
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 – visit their website and view their helpful home buyers guide.
Find your perfect home in Christchurch
Get some valuable insight on the Christchurch housing market from the Real Estate Institutes Canterbury Ambassador Vanessa Golightly:
Find school zones
Being 'in zone' for schools can be an important factor for Christchurch home buyers. Getting into certain schools if you are not 'in zone' for them can be very difficult. Education Counts website allows you to search by home address to find the school zones for that area.
Everywhere in 30 minutes
You can generally get from one side of Christchurch to the other in under 30 minutes so if you don't need schooling then you will have the luxury of a wide area to search for your new home. Keep in mind our public transport is limited in comparison to other metropolitan areas but it is easy to cycle around being mostly flat.
Learn about land criteria
After the earthquakes the city was mapped and categorised for different land criteria. This map should give you all the information you need, but be realistic with your interpretation of it and don’t be put off by minor notations. I’d recommend using a Christchurch lawyer who is familiar with earthquake claim related information, city zoning and mapping.
Know the areas
Christchurch is one of the only cities in the world where people pay more on average to live by the airport (Avonhead, Harewood, Burnside, Bishopdale) than they do the beach (New Brighton, South Brighton, Parklands).
Understand cross lease land
Don't be put off purchasing cross lease land, there are no extra annual fees payable or other major associated hang ups. Just be aware you can't change the 'flat plan' (building outlines) without updating the title, for example building another garage. A lot of our affordable housing comes under a cross-lease title.
Make the most of the seasons
The best time to purchase in Christchurch is winter as they can be cold and damp. A lot of our housing outside of the newer subdivisions is single glazed and without wall insulation. Look for a home with ceiling insulation, underfloor insulation and a ground vapour barrier to stop rising damp, heating throughout and a ventilation system, but keep in mind most of these things can be added after you purchase.
Settle in first
Christchurch is a beautiful city with lots of lovely suburbs that offer many different amenities and recreational options. I would recommend that you first rent or find short stay accommodation and enjoy the city for six months before you settle on an area to purchase in.