Why Christchurch Is Attracting Young Families From Akl

Christchurch is emerging as a magnet for young families seeking more space and affordable housing, according to recent data and industry experts.

Figures from Stats NZ’s 2023 Census show a significant shift of people from the North Island to the South Island between 2018 and 2023. 

Mortgage expert Nathan Miglani from Squirrel, who tracks housing and mortgage trends, said affordability is the main driver behind the move. “Over the last three years, we have seen this trend a lot,” he said.

Miglani explained that many young couples and families, especially from north, are finding it increasingly difficult to buy a three-bedroom home in cities like Auckland. 

“What you would pay for a three-bedroom, million-dollar home in Auckland, you can afford in Christchurch at a much better price and in a great location—closer to the mall and university,” he said.

Miglani noted that while Auckland’s market is relatively quiet, first-home buyers in Christchurch are finding more options for spacious and affordable three-bedroom houses.

Christchurch is affordable, making it easier for families to enter the market, and also take advantage of low deposits of around 5%, making entry into the property market even more attainable.

The trend mirrors patterns seen overseas. Miglani pointed to Australia, where residents often move from Sydney or Melbourne to more affordable cities like Brisbane or coastal areas such as the Gold Coast.

The South Island’s combination of lower housing costs, room to spread out, and proximity to natural landscapes appears to be cementing Christchurch’s appeal among young North Island families.

As housing values in the city rise, the influx of new residents is shaping the local market and confirming Christchurch’s growing role as a destination for first-home buyers.