Housing affordability
Housing affordability is a major concern. The vast majority of respondents who don’t own their home say they are delaying home ownership (82%) and feel they are losing hope of affording a home (71%). Of current homeowners, over a third (36%) think it is unlikely that they could afford their current home if they were purchasing in today’s market.
For their own household, 75% consider homes under $600,000 affordable while this decreases to 61% for homes under $700,000. However, when thinking about first home buyers, affordability is seen to be lower. Only 48% consider under $600,000 affordable for first home buyers while 79% consider a home under $500,000 affordable.
“As a solo parent, I don't know how it can be possible for me to own a home. It seems only attainable to couples who have double income and both work fulltime.”
Housing quality, liveability, and design
There are mixed opinions on whether the quality of our housing supply meets residents’ expectations.
- 35% agree that the current range and types of housing meet the diverse needs of current and future residents; 37% disagree.
- 28% agree that Christchurch has well-designed homes and neighbourhoods that provide a high quality of life for residents; 36% disagree.
- Only 13% agree homes in Christchurch are energy-efficient and healthy; 51% disagree.
- 22% report dampness; 10% report significant mould.
“If you don't have money, there is no range or choice of housing it's get what your given. It's nice to have a place.”
Future housing preferences
Standalone homes remain the most preferred option, with 51% willing to consider a detached two‑ or three‑storey home and 59% a single‑storey duplex in the future.
Medium‑density housing attracts mixed support: around 29% would consider two‑ or three‑storey terraced housing, while only 21–27% would consider apartments.
Privacy, secure parking, private outdoor space, and good design are critical for acceptance of higher-density housing.
“I understand space is a concern and most people won't be able to live a quarter-acre dream, but without a standalone house it would be very difficult for me to get my hands dirty gardening or my partner to play music without fear of annoying the neighbours, which would be very detrimental to our quality of life.”
Housing affordability
Housing affordability is a major concern. The vast majority of respondents who don’t own their home say they are delaying home ownership (82%) and feel they are losing hope of affording a home (71%). Of current homeowners, over a third (36%) think it is unlikely that they could afford their current home if they were purchasing in today’s market.
For their own household, 75% consider homes under $600,000 affordable while this decreases to 61% for homes under $700,000. However, when thinking about first home buyers, affordability is seen to be lower. Only 48% consider under $600,000 affordable for first home buyers while 79% consider a home under $500,000 affordable.
“As a solo parent, I don't know how it can be possible for me to own a home. It seems only attainable to couples who have double income and both work fulltime.”
Housing quality, liveability, and design
There are mixed opinions on whether the quality of our housing supply meets residents’ expectations.
- 35% agree that the current range and types of housing meet the diverse needs of current and future residents; 37% disagree.
- 28% agree that Christchurch has well-designed homes and neighbourhoods that provide a high quality of life for residents; 36% disagree.
- Only 13% agree homes in Christchurch are energy-efficient and healthy; 51% disagree.
- 22% report dampness; 10% report significant mould.
“If you don't have money, there is no range or choice of housing it's get what your given. It's nice to have a place.”
Future housing preferences
Standalone homes remain the most preferred option, with 51% willing to consider a detached two‑ or three‑storey home and 59% a single‑storey duplex in the future.
Medium‑density housing attracts mixed support: around 29% would consider two‑ or three‑storey terraced housing, while only 21–27% would consider apartments.
Privacy, secure parking, private outdoor space, and good design are critical for acceptance of higher-density housing.
“I understand space is a concern and most people won't be able to live a quarter-acre dream, but without a standalone house it would be very difficult for me to get my hands dirty gardening or my partner to play music without fear of annoying the neighbours, which would be very detrimental to our quality of life.”