Housing survey results

Neighbourhood preference

Street trees and gardens were the most important feature for respondents when asked to think about the type of neighbourhood they would ideally like to live in (56%). This was followed by a neighbourhood with a mixture of activities and amenities (51%).

A safe neighbourhood was the most important characteristic for respondents when thinking about the type of neighbourhood they would want to live in (83%), increasing slightly from 79% in 2021.

• "Feeling less and less safe with the noticeable increase in crime in surrounding areas."
• "affordable and greenspace with good accessible footpaths bike paths etc! is crucial for broad range of community... love living this close to city centre and beach"
• "Price has to come first unfortunately. Then shops and amenities."

Current housing needs

The most preferred housing type was a stand-alone detached single storey home (57%). This was closely followed by a single-storey duplex (55%).

For those who would consider living in a two or three storey terraced home, privacy, a private outdoor space and an internal garage or covered parking were the top three factors that would influence their decision.

68% of respondents consider anything less than $600,000 to be affordable. 28% think housing over $800,000 is affordable. Furthermore, 43% of respondents said that they would not be able to afford their house in the current market.

• "I want space for a garden, so would not consider an apartment. Greenspace around a townhouse or terraced house would make it more attractive, but they often do not have enough light. Garage parking is also important to me."
• "I definitely prefer single storey homes with adequate green spaces and which do not block sun, light or intrude upon the privacy of my neighbours."
• "This would all depend on the size of our family and whether these high rise options cater for that."
• "The problem is affordable is often poor quality in terms of build and in poorly kept neighbourhoods."

Future housing needs

When respondents were asked whether the current range and type of housing in Christchurch met the diverse needs of current and future residents, 36% agreed.

Protecting our green spaces, open spaces and spaces for growing food were thought to be the most important when considering where to develop for future generations. This was followed by access to a range of transport options.

• "The new townhouses going up that are 1-2 bdrm look like they will not stand the test of time. They look like they have potential to be shabby. Storage looks an issue. I approve of intensification done well but not sure what is happening is good longterm."
• "I am interested in purchasing a home without stairs as I am 78. However almost all the new homes in my price bracket have stairs, a but frustrating as they are not suitable for my future needs…"

Accessible neighbourhoods

Almost all respondents indicated that they are able to walk to a park or open space within 15 minutes of their home.

Getting to work or the doctors were the least accessible within 15 minutes, although 59% still reported being able to get to their doctors within 15 minutes by biking.

The top amenities that respondents would like to be able to access within 15 minutes of their home were:

• Nature, parks and gardens.
• Local shops and services.
• Supermarkets.