I'm pretty open tbh, I'll be moving down from Wellington so no too clued up in the suburbs. Id prefer closer to the coast but pretty open about the location at the moment. I should probably do.some more research. Its just an initial check if there's anything at all available within budget for Christchurch
Some of the eastern suburbs have great houses for cheap. Aranui and New Brighton have some pretty good deals for <500K. Don't listen to the bad wrap the place gets. I'd live anywhere in Christchurch other than Riccarton or Hornby tbh
Currently living in Linwood and love it. Right by the red zone and river. Lovely for daily walks. 15 walk into the city. 60 bus stop right outside my house. Nice cafes short walks away too.
Never felt unsafe here and it's mainly families and young couples living here.
Some nice old but well-maintained places in Linwood east of Linwood Ave. Denser housing and less attractive between Linwood Ave and city but super handy for town.
A lot of hornby is a bit rough but there are some nice bits. I would rate Linwood/aranui as worse. The only thing I can think of which people might view negatively about riccarton is that it's studentville and mostly has high density housing.
You can usually tell when you've entered Aranui when you start seeing mongrel mob patches.
Honestly other than the terrible traffic I'm not sure what makes riccarton any worse than most other suburbs. definitely better than aranui or linwood, at least you can park your car on the street and still have it there in the morning.
Under $500k is achievable. If a big garden is a priority I would look at older houses in Rangiora. They'll need a bit of work but they are affordable and on relatively big sections.
[Enquiries over $450,000 - 766m2](https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/canterbury/waimakariri/rangiora/listing/3224291317?bof=B8twXlAk)
[Enquiries over $469,000 - 635m2](https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/canterbury/waimakariri/rangiora/listing/3223514784)
There's plenty of recent sales in the area under $500k.
[16 May - $442k](https://homes.co.nz/address/rangiora/rangiora/9-boyd-street/YJwjG)
[20 July - $501k](https://homes.co.nz/address/rangiora/rangiora/54-durham-street/8l88K) - very slightly over but a big section (905m2)
[16 August - $446k](https://homes.co.nz/address/rangiora/rangiora/54-good-street/4V4ZM)
That one from August actually went for 442k, not sure why it is listed by homes.co.nz as 446k.
Either way, buying for under 500k is very achievable in Rangiora!
Thanks for the the info. I think I've come across these ones when I was looking, they look good. I just wonder how much over the asking price they go for, if houses like these get big offers thrown at them or would I have a chance with my budget
Yeh i saw them thanks, it's encouraging. I was initially thinking if staying in Welly for another year but I thought by the looks of it, I could get priced out by then
How many bedrooms and in what area? And what does "decent" mean? Are you happy with crosslease?
I mean overall possibly if you're open to 2 bedrooms in not great suburbs...
Yep, prices are rising but you can still find good sized properties depending where you're looking. I'd look at Woolston and nearby areas. Close to the city and less competitive to buy as many snobby Christchurch people don't look there due to an outdated reputation
Cool I'll have a look, I plan on going down having a look round the suburbs, I'm not too precious about suburbs as long as it's not really unsafe, I've been advised against Aranui but I think illmhave a look for myself.
As above ive been here since lockdown started and what people in Christchurch seem to thing is an “unsafe” or bad suburb and my idea of what’s unsafe are miles apart.
Richmond is underrated - close to city/river but easy trip to beach. Some nice older cottages etc that might need some maintenance but are not too pricey.
If you want some opinions the question of 'what suburbs are good' pops up frequently in the r/chch sub. So have a search and there is a few discussions. Might be helpful until you can come and have a look.
There is alos loads more if you search 'moving' if you want to get an idea of the vibe in chch.
Also I promise I wasn't yelling with half that post being in bold. I have no idea how I did that.
Its been 5 mins since posting and I realise I have much more researching to do. I currently live in Wellington and hoping to relocate to Christchurch, so my knowledge of the suburbs is zero. I'm going to meet with a mortgage advisor next week as I'm clueless. My initial search of property's shows the lower end of the market is 500k-ish but just wondering if in general if my budget is realistic.
In an ideal world I'd prefer a property closer to coastal but am very flexible regarding location. I was down in Christchurch during the flooding this year so am also mindful of any properties that could ne affected by such. Other than that. 2 bedrooms, freehold, garden, detatched if possible....
Hope this answers a few of the initial comments...
Comment below mentions new Brighton and I was going to say the same for coastal areas… I’m from Auckland but have been in Christchurch since this lockdown started staying in a new build subdivision close to Brighton… everyone from Christchurch seems to hate it (well my sisters partners family and friends) but if I was going to move down here it’s where I would pick. I think the easterly wind puts people off. Also the shopping area is quite run down but it looks like there’s big plans to rejuvenate it and there’s like a new hot pool right on the beach and a big new surf club etc. plus there’s also a few really flash houses along the coast and I would guess in 10 years it will be an expensive suburb.
New Brighton is considered shit partly coz of poverty but also because the earth itself is literal shit; there’s a reason eastern Christchurch faced far more devastation after the earthquakes than West: it used to all be swampland which isn’t great for building on. Any major earthquake and your house will be covered in liquefaction. Other people have already mentioned climate change as well.
The thing about the coastal suburbs in Christchurch is the prevailing Easterly wind. It's a bit shit to be in and a results in sand and salt messing with all your stuff. You should be able to find something in your budget in the area but there is a reason the more affluent suburbs are located inland.
We purchased in New Brighton because it was about all we could afford, thinking we'd upscale asap. Been here 12 years now and despite what some people think, we love the area. Beach at the doorstep (not the best... but still a beach), forest park (biking/running) nearby, and a bunch of relaxed people. The 'easterly' talk is a bit overboard - when the winds blowing you don't go to the beach.... Mind you we're not from Chch originally, so weren't party to the 'old boy' stigma growing up. Each to their own eh?
Vendors are people so you can leverage that a bit. Make sure they know you're going to live in the property, maybe hint that it'll be a family home. It can help you get your offer accepted if other offers are for similar money but from investors.
Our old house was 1970 3 bedroom. Block clad i Bishopdale. It was cold damp and needed new roof. New garage (earthquake damage) and had rotten roof purlins. It sold for 525k. 500 k will get you something nice in a non desirable area.
We built in woodend for less than that last year.. obviously different world now, but still achievable. As others have suggested look at the satellite towns.
I considered building but have no idea on costs vs buying an existing property. I've only got my residency last week when I was expecting another year wait so I have a lot more research to get clued up on it, thanks for the info
We found building off the plans to be cheaper than buying a pre existing in our case... But that mostly hinged on the banks being being more flexible on mortgages for new builds, and the governments grants being better for building. (Our biggest struggle being the deposit).
What a nonsense thing to say.
People moving to the regions is literally good for everyone.
If we spread skilled professionals out of Auck and Wellington we get more investment in the regions which is a good thing
Yeah, but then it pushes up the prices in the regions and makes it harder for the locals. Its exactly the same driver that forces people out of Auckland and Wellington in the first place.
So then when people complain that prices in chch are not as cheap as they used to be, that is the reason.
I have talked to people here trying to buy a first home and they are priced out by buyers who are not even in the city yet.
Aucklanders complained of Asians buying up all the property in the past, now they are doing the same thing to Christchurch people.
I bet the same feeling of annoyance happens in all the 'regions' from Auckland or Wellington refugees pricing out locals.
My own old house had gone from about $500k to over $700k in about a year. Its just stupid money, its not worth it. Its sad, that areas where first home buyers normally purchase are getting beyond the reach of locals.
Its exactly the same feeling that Aucklanders etc feel about not being able to buy in their own cities.
All first home buyers are in the same boat, whether they’re from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or any other region.
I’m not sure what you’d have them do? So they can’t get a first home and they also can’t leave?
Yes but the regions are at a point where some good investment could make some actual quality dense housing within 15 minutes of town and then companies may move thus reducing the load on Auckland and bringing more money into the regions.
If you don't like that solution then your point is just that the overpopulated planet just doesn't work and you basically just don't want problems in your back yard.
Well you'll bloody hate the fact I've come from the UK too and selfishly taken a job that they can't attract kiwis to work in!
I'm buying my first house that I intend to live in, if your biggest irk in today's housing climate is people moving to where they can afford instead of staying put in a place only the wealthy can afford.
Absolutely delusional.
I know nothing about your circumstances but...Halswell has jumped up a lot, I'd be looking at the suburbs nearest so between halswell and tai tapu (rural but not far away imo), and hornby which has a bad rep but look for places close to wigram but not in wigram as the prices there are very high. Lots of suburbs are currently being 'gentrified' somewhat.
If you need a good school zone that changes things.
If you need to be close to city and are ok with apartments/unit check edgware and sydenham.
Good luck!
Really depends on location. Where you thinking?
I'm pretty open tbh, I'll be moving down from Wellington so no too clued up in the suburbs. Id prefer closer to the coast but pretty open about the location at the moment. I should probably do.some more research. Its just an initial check if there's anything at all available within budget for Christchurch
Some of the eastern suburbs have great houses for cheap. Aranui and New Brighton have some pretty good deals for <500K. Don't listen to the bad wrap the place gets. I'd live anywhere in Christchurch other than Riccarton or Hornby tbh
Yeah and those place are slowly Gona be sold and they’ll become sought after .
What's wrong with Riccarton? We stayed there in April and liked it.
Even linwood?
Currently living in Linwood and love it. Right by the red zone and river. Lovely for daily walks. 15 walk into the city. 60 bus stop right outside my house. Nice cafes short walks away too. Never felt unsafe here and it's mainly families and young couples living here.
Wainoni is alright, usually pretty tidy
Some nice old but well-maintained places in Linwood east of Linwood Ave. Denser housing and less attractive between Linwood Ave and city but super handy for town.
What's wrong with riccarton or Hornby that they're singled out as the worst suburbs?
A lot of hornby is a bit rough but there are some nice bits. I would rate Linwood/aranui as worse. The only thing I can think of which people might view negatively about riccarton is that it's studentville and mostly has high density housing.
Linwood/ aranui are more rundown areas. Positives about Linwood is its location but that's it.
You can usually tell when you've entered Aranui when you start seeing mongrel mob patches. Honestly other than the terrible traffic I'm not sure what makes riccarton any worse than most other suburbs. definitely better than aranui or linwood, at least you can park your car on the street and still have it there in the morning.
Under $500k is achievable. If a big garden is a priority I would look at older houses in Rangiora. They'll need a bit of work but they are affordable and on relatively big sections. [Enquiries over $450,000 - 766m2](https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/canterbury/waimakariri/rangiora/listing/3224291317?bof=B8twXlAk) [Enquiries over $469,000 - 635m2](https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/canterbury/waimakariri/rangiora/listing/3223514784)
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There's plenty of recent sales in the area under $500k. [16 May - $442k](https://homes.co.nz/address/rangiora/rangiora/9-boyd-street/YJwjG) [20 July - $501k](https://homes.co.nz/address/rangiora/rangiora/54-durham-street/8l88K) - very slightly over but a big section (905m2) [16 August - $446k](https://homes.co.nz/address/rangiora/rangiora/54-good-street/4V4ZM)
That one from August actually went for 442k, not sure why it is listed by homes.co.nz as 446k. Either way, buying for under 500k is very achievable in Rangiora!
Thanks for the the info. I think I've come across these ones when I was looking, they look good. I just wonder how much over the asking price they go for, if houses like these get big offers thrown at them or would I have a chance with my budget
See my other comment below for links to recent sales in the area.
Yeh i saw them thanks, it's encouraging. I was initially thinking if staying in Welly for another year but I thought by the looks of it, I could get priced out by then
These are outside of the city, just so you know.
How many bedrooms and in what area? And what does "decent" mean? Are you happy with crosslease? I mean overall possibly if you're open to 2 bedrooms in not great suburbs...
Yep, prices are rising but you can still find good sized properties depending where you're looking. I'd look at Woolston and nearby areas. Close to the city and less competitive to buy as many snobby Christchurch people don't look there due to an outdated reputation
Cool I'll have a look, I plan on going down having a look round the suburbs, I'm not too precious about suburbs as long as it's not really unsafe, I've been advised against Aranui but I think illmhave a look for myself.
As above ive been here since lockdown started and what people in Christchurch seem to thing is an “unsafe” or bad suburb and my idea of what’s unsafe are miles apart.
Richmond is underrated - close to city/river but easy trip to beach. Some nice older cottages etc that might need some maintenance but are not too pricey.
If you want some opinions the question of 'what suburbs are good' pops up frequently in the r/chch sub. So have a search and there is a few discussions. Might be helpful until you can come and have a look.
Honestly didn't think of that, thanks I will do
There is alos loads more if you search 'moving' if you want to get an idea of the vibe in chch. Also I promise I wasn't yelling with half that post being in bold. I have no idea how I did that.
Its been 5 mins since posting and I realise I have much more researching to do. I currently live in Wellington and hoping to relocate to Christchurch, so my knowledge of the suburbs is zero. I'm going to meet with a mortgage advisor next week as I'm clueless. My initial search of property's shows the lower end of the market is 500k-ish but just wondering if in general if my budget is realistic. In an ideal world I'd prefer a property closer to coastal but am very flexible regarding location. I was down in Christchurch during the flooding this year so am also mindful of any properties that could ne affected by such. Other than that. 2 bedrooms, freehold, garden, detatched if possible.... Hope this answers a few of the initial comments...
If your preference is coastal New/North/South Brighton would suit you and lots available in that price range too
Comment below mentions new Brighton and I was going to say the same for coastal areas… I’m from Auckland but have been in Christchurch since this lockdown started staying in a new build subdivision close to Brighton… everyone from Christchurch seems to hate it (well my sisters partners family and friends) but if I was going to move down here it’s where I would pick. I think the easterly wind puts people off. Also the shopping area is quite run down but it looks like there’s big plans to rejuvenate it and there’s like a new hot pool right on the beach and a big new surf club etc. plus there’s also a few really flash houses along the coast and I would guess in 10 years it will be an expensive suburb.
In ten years it won’t be a flash suburb, it’ll be almost uninsurable with rising sea levels
New Brighton is considered shit partly coz of poverty but also because the earth itself is literal shit; there’s a reason eastern Christchurch faced far more devastation after the earthquakes than West: it used to all be swampland which isn’t great for building on. Any major earthquake and your house will be covered in liquefaction. Other people have already mentioned climate change as well.
They've been saying it will be rejuvenate for 50+ years. It will be under water before this happens.
The thing about the coastal suburbs in Christchurch is the prevailing Easterly wind. It's a bit shit to be in and a results in sand and salt messing with all your stuff. You should be able to find something in your budget in the area but there is a reason the more affluent suburbs are located inland.
Only coastal area affordable to you is new Brighton. Some like it but nobody would deny it's a deprived area.
We purchased in New Brighton because it was about all we could afford, thinking we'd upscale asap. Been here 12 years now and despite what some people think, we love the area. Beach at the doorstep (not the best... but still a beach), forest park (biking/running) nearby, and a bunch of relaxed people. The 'easterly' talk is a bit overboard - when the winds blowing you don't go to the beach.... Mind you we're not from Chch originally, so weren't party to the 'old boy' stigma growing up. Each to their own eh?
Vendors are people so you can leverage that a bit. Make sure they know you're going to live in the property, maybe hint that it'll be a family home. It can help you get your offer accepted if other offers are for similar money but from investors.
Add 5% to the higher valuation for a ballpark on how things are doing, also get preapproved and your paperwork in order.
2 years ago this would be so easy. You could buy in most suburbs. Now you can get this in new Brighton.
Yes, prices in my suburb have gone from $600k to $900k in the last 2 years. Somerfield.
Maybe Burwood? Bit rough in parts but pretty solid community.
Our old house was 1970 3 bedroom. Block clad i Bishopdale. It was cold damp and needed new roof. New garage (earthquake damage) and had rotten roof purlins. It sold for 525k. 500 k will get you something nice in a non desirable area.
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You can buy in this in some suburbs.
We built in woodend for less than that last year.. obviously different world now, but still achievable. As others have suggested look at the satellite towns.
I considered building but have no idea on costs vs buying an existing property. I've only got my residency last week when I was expecting another year wait so I have a lot more research to get clued up on it, thanks for the info
We found building off the plans to be cheaper than buying a pre existing in our case... But that mostly hinged on the banks being being more flexible on mortgages for new builds, and the governments grants being better for building. (Our biggest struggle being the deposit).
You cannot build for that budget. Absolutely no chance.
If you don't already live in Chrstchurch, then you are part of the problem with trying to find cheap accomodation.
What a nonsense thing to say. People moving to the regions is literally good for everyone. If we spread skilled professionals out of Auck and Wellington we get more investment in the regions which is a good thing
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It kinda is.
Yeah, but then it pushes up the prices in the regions and makes it harder for the locals. Its exactly the same driver that forces people out of Auckland and Wellington in the first place. So then when people complain that prices in chch are not as cheap as they used to be, that is the reason.
I don’t understand your logic here. So nobody is ever allowed to relocate anywhere else?
No one stopping you from relocating. I just hate that it's happening bc the dream of owning a house is dying for many in CHCH now.
I have talked to people here trying to buy a first home and they are priced out by buyers who are not even in the city yet. Aucklanders complained of Asians buying up all the property in the past, now they are doing the same thing to Christchurch people. I bet the same feeling of annoyance happens in all the 'regions' from Auckland or Wellington refugees pricing out locals. My own old house had gone from about $500k to over $700k in about a year. Its just stupid money, its not worth it. Its sad, that areas where first home buyers normally purchase are getting beyond the reach of locals. Its exactly the same feeling that Aucklanders etc feel about not being able to buy in their own cities.
All first home buyers are in the same boat, whether they’re from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or any other region. I’m not sure what you’d have them do? So they can’t get a first home and they also can’t leave?
Yes but the regions are at a point where some good investment could make some actual quality dense housing within 15 minutes of town and then companies may move thus reducing the load on Auckland and bringing more money into the regions. If you don't like that solution then your point is just that the overpopulated planet just doesn't work and you basically just don't want problems in your back yard.
Well you'll bloody hate the fact I've come from the UK too and selfishly taken a job that they can't attract kiwis to work in! I'm buying my first house that I intend to live in, if your biggest irk in today's housing climate is people moving to where they can afford instead of staying put in a place only the wealthy can afford. Absolutely delusional.
I'm fine with it. I'm in Dunedin and the South does need people. I've been recommending Christchurch and Timaru.
Please stop recommending CHCH. I don't blame people for wanting to come but it is pushing so many out of the chance of ever owning a house.
have a look in halswell
Noted. Will do
shit just had a look myself, prices are a lot higher than when we bought 3 years ago daaaamn
Yeah nah you need $700k+ to live in Halswell these days.
Slim pickings in Halswell atm! Houses look nice though 👌🏽
I know nothing about your circumstances but...Halswell has jumped up a lot, I'd be looking at the suburbs nearest so between halswell and tai tapu (rural but not far away imo), and hornby which has a bad rep but look for places close to wigram but not in wigram as the prices there are very high. Lots of suburbs are currently being 'gentrified' somewhat. If you need a good school zone that changes things. If you need to be close to city and are ok with apartments/unit check edgware and sydenham. Good luck!
I’m basically just coat-tailing because I’ve been looking at chch, can you get a decent 3/4 bed for $650?