Market News
Growth in New Home Consents
Christchurch Property Update:
With all the talk around interest rates, new builds, and what’s “hot” in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So here is the latest data to show what’s really happening across Christchurch and greater Canterbury—and what it means if you’re thinking of buying or selling.
The short version? Canterbury’s housing market is still moving forward, with Christchurch leading the way in urban development and Selwyn booming with new family homes.
Canterbury Construction Is Still Going Strong
While nationwide construction has cooled slightly, Canterbury is bucking the trend with 5,847 new homes consented over the last 12 months—
⬆️ Up 11.3% from the year before. That’s 1 in every 5 new homes in NZ being built right here.
🔹 Christchurch: ⬆️ 10% growth
🔹 Selwyn: ⬆️ 30% growth
🔹 Waimakariri: ➖ Flat (due to fewer new subdivisions)
“Canterbury continues to shine as a hub of activity, especially for buyers wanting a brand-new home with modern features.”
Townhouses & Multi-Units: More Choice, Modern Living
In Christchurch, 63% of all new homes are multi-units—think townhouses and terrace-style homes.
These compact builds (typically around 74m²) are seen throughout Christchurch in central suburbs like Waltham and St Albans offering affordable, low-maintenance options perfect for:
✅ First-home buyers
✅ Downsizers
✅ Investors
With more stock comes more choice, but also more to consider. If you're navigating the townhouse market, working with someone who knows the area—and can help you compare quality and long-term value—is essential.
Selwyn & Waimakariri: Bigger Homes, Family Focused
Head just beyond the city fringe, and you’ll find a different story. Selwyn and Waimakariri are still essentially building traditional family homes, many 100m² or larger, often with extra living space, garages, and outdoor flow.
There are also a growing number of duplex-style homes, which combine family-sized living with flexibility, great for multigenerational households or semi-rural investors.
Fast Facts – At a Glance
What Does This Mean for You?
If you're a seller:
Christchurch’s mix of modern townhouses and traditional family homes means your property has an audience, whether in the suburbs or inner city. With good demand and more choice for buyers, pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
If you're buying:
You’ve got options. From sleek townhouses to spacious family homes, everything suits every lifestyle. Interest rates are currently under 5%, and with inflation steady, it’s a good time to explore your next move.
Data sourced from the Canterbury Construction Report – March 2025, published by Construction Matters.
Other Posts By Jeremy
Property Report - March 2025
The median price for Canterbury had no change
year-on-year, staying at $695,000
“First-home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most
active, with the Ashburton region reporting an increase in
investor activity, while Timaru local agents reported fewer
local investors.
Property Report - February 2025
The median price for Canterbury increased by
0.3% year-on-year to $707,000
All buyer types were active across the region.
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