Christchurch Housing Market Holds Steady as Winter Settles In

June 2024/25 comparisons

The latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) show that the country’s housing market is staying relatively stable—and Christchurch is no exception. While some parts of New Zealand are seeing sharp changes, the Garden City continues to hold its ground with a sense of quiet confidence.

A Calm and Balanced Market for Christchurch Housing

Even though Christchurch wasn’t highlighted specifically in the REINZ report, the overall trends in the Canterbury region give us a pretty good idea of what’s happening locally: steady prices, measured activity, and no major surprises.

Across the country, the median house price stayed flat year-on-year at $770,000. That might sound dull, but in today’s economic climate, stability is actually a good thing. In fact, Christchurch’s calm and consistent market is looking pretty appealing when compared to the likes of Auckland, where prices dipped 3.4% to $990,000.

In contrast, other regions saw prices climb—like the West Coast, which jumped 35.5%, and Southland, which hit a record high. But Christchurch’s reliable performance helps create a sense of security for homeowners, buyers, and investors alike.

Fewer Listings, But More Choice for Buyers

New property listings have slowed down, which isn’t too surprising for this time of year. Nationally, listings dropped 2.5% compared to June last year, and 3.3% if you exclude Auckland. In Canterbury, this means fewer “for sale” signs popping up, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

In fact, there’s still plenty of choice out there. The number of homes available for sale has actually increased across the country, giving buyers more time to weigh up their options. That’s reflected in the median number of days it’s taking to sell a home—now sitting at 50 days on average, up by a few days from this time last year.

Sales Are Up, Even as Winter Bites

June is usually one of the quieter months in real estate, but this year bucked the trend a bit. Nationally, sales were up by over 20% compared to June 2024. While Canterbury-specific sales weren’t broken out in the report, the overall lift in activity suggests that buyers in Christchurch are still out there and ready to make a move—especially if the right home comes along.

Buyers seem more cautious and better informed, and that’s a good thing. With more inventory on the market and less urgency, people are taking the time to find homes that truly fit their needs.

Looking Ahead: Spring Could Bring New Energy

The takeaway? Christchurch’s housing market is steady, well-balanced, and quietly optimistic as we move through the middle of winter. While some sellers might be holding off until the traditionally busier spring season, others are finding success by staying realistic and flexible on price.

REINZ CEO Lizzy Ryley summed it up well: “The unchanged national median price suggests stability, yet this reflects contrasting regional dynamics.” And in Christchurch, that stability is something many will find reassuring.

Quick Snapshot for Christchurch Housing Market:

• ✅ Prices holding steady with no major ups or downs

• 🏡 Listings are down, but overall choice for buyers is still good

• 🔁 Homes are taking a bit longer to sell—reflecting a more thoughtful market

• 📈 Buyer activity is up compared to last winter

• 🌱 Spring could bring more listings and renewed momentum

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Final Thoughts

For anyone thinking about buying or selling in Christchurch, now might be the perfect time to plan your next move. Whether you’re hunting for a new home, downsizing, or investing for the future, this steady market gives you room to breathe—and that’s something we don’t take for granted in real estate!

Want to know how your suburb is tracking? Get in touch and we can walk through what’s happening on the ground, right here in Christchurch.