What tenants are looking for in Christchurch right now

Vertex Property Management
3 days ago
3 min read

Over the past year, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in who’s renting in Christchurch and what they value. It’s no longer just university students and long-term locals. A growing portion of enquiries and applications are coming from North Island and overseas movers.

Based on what we’re seeing day to day, here’s what tenants are prioritising.

1. Location, Location, Location

Tenants relocating to Christchurch often start by asking for “central” locations, but quickly adjust once they understand commute times and how the city is laid out. Convenience tends to be the main driver.

Families with children are more laser-focused on specific suburbs or school zones, rather than broad areas.

What’s working well:

Well-connected suburbs with easy access to the CBD
Proximity to recreation areas and everyday amenities
Easy access to public transport
Suburbs with a good neighbourhood feel

They're also looking for a community that they can be a part of, not just a roof over their head.

2. Warm, dry homes

This is no longer a “nice to have”. Tenants are actively asking about:

Insulation and heating
Double glazing
Ventilation and moisture control

Homes that feel warm, dry, and well cared for consistently attract stronger applications and longer tenancies.

3. Practical layouts

We’re seeing tenants choose smaller, well-designed homes over larger properties with awkward layouts.

High-demand features include:

Open-plan living that actually works
Storage (linen cupboards, garages, sheds)
Separate laundry spaces
Functional kitchens and entertaining areas
Good water pressure in the shower

Extra bedrooms only matter if they’re genuinely usable.

4. Low-maintenance living

Busy professionals, families, and relocating tenants don’t want high-maintenance sections.

What’s appealing:

Easy-care outdoor areas
Minimal lawn maintenance
Newer builds or well-maintained older homes

This doesn’t mean tenants don’t value outdoor space, they just want it to be manageable alongside busy schedules.

5. Good presentation matters

First impressions count. Clean, tidy, well-presented homes consistently outperform similar properties that feel tired.

We see stronger interest when:

Marketing photos are clear and realistic
The property is clean and decluttered
Maintenance issues are addressed before advertising

Tenants are often deciding within seconds whether a home feels “right”.

6. Renters are looking for stability

Many applicants, especially families are asking about:

Longer fixed terms
Whether the landlord plans to sell
How maintenance is handled

They’re not just renting a house; they’re choosing a place to settle.

7. Parking is now a necessity

Parking comes up far more often than it used to, particularly with professional couples and families.

What we’re seeing:

Off-street parking is strongly preferred, even if it’s just one space
Garages are valued for storage as much as parking
Properties with no parking receive fewer enquiries unless the location is exceptional

In some cases, tenants are choosing a slightly smaller home with allocated parking over a larger property where parking is shared or uncertain.

What this means for property investors

Christchurch remains attractive to renters, but expectations have lifted. The most successful rentals aren’t necessarily the biggest or newest, they’re the ones that are well-located, warm, practical, and well-maintained.

If your property aligns with what tenants genuinely want, you’re far more likely to see: