Christchurch, a housing affordability lesson

Christchurch, a housing affordability lesson
After the Christchurch earthquakes, the city was presented with an opportunity. Did it make the most of it? (Image: Getty)
Oliver Lewis
In the middle of a nationwide housing crisis, with price records tumbling month after month, one city has been held up as an example of affordability: Christchurch. First-home buyers locked out of the market in other centres are increasingly looking to the South Island city as a way to get on the ladder. And you can see why. In August, the median Canterbury house price was $619,000, according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). Despite being up 24.3% on the previous year, prices were still far more affordable than oth...

More Property

Court to decide if Du Val investors' claim can proceed
Property

Court to decide if Du Val investors' claim can proceed

Investors who swapped debt for equity accuse FMA of devaluing their shares.

Vector faces fresh complaint on unfair contract terms
Property

Vector faces fresh complaint on unfair contract terms

Vector faces more scrutiny over contract terms after Commerce Commission advice.

Garth Bray 02 Jul 2025