Christchurch has long been a solid choice for property investors, and 2025 is looking just as promising. The city offers that rare mix of affordability and strong rental demand—something that’s becoming harder to find in New Zealand’s bigger centres.
But let’s be real: just because a city is good for investment, it doesn’t mean every suburb is a safe option. Some will quietly tick away, making you money year after year, while others could leave you wondering why you ever thought becoming a landlord was a good idea. The key is knowing where to buy.
So, where should you be looking if you want solid rental returns, reliable tenants, and minimal headaches? We’ve done the research—here are the Christchurch suburbs that deserve your attention in 2025.
Spreydon – The No-Fuss Winner for Strong Returns
Spreydon doesn’t scream for attention. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s just consistent, reliable, and quietly profitable—the kind of suburb that investors love. Located just south of the city centre, it’s affordable, well-connected, and packed with renters who pay on time.
Over the past year, Spreydon’s median sale price has climbed to $619,000, up 2.3%, while the median rent now sits at $550 per week. That’s the kind of rent-to-price ratio you want to see as an investor. More importantly, properties here move fast—leasing in two weeks or less.
What’s driving demand? Spreydon is a prime spot for young professionals and small families who want city convenience without the price tag of inner suburbs. It’s also full of standalone houses and well-built townhouses, making it versatile for different types of tenants.
Smart Investment Moves in Spreydon
- Go for three-bedroom homes or two-bedroom townhouses—they rent out the fastest and attract the most stable tenants.
- If it’s an older property, a quick refresh—modern kitchen, heat pump, fresh paint—will push rental values up.
- Properties with an extra room, sleep-out, or garage conversion? Even better. More space = higher rent.
Somerfield – The Suburb Families Won’t Leave
Some suburbs attract renters. Somerfield keeps them.
Families flock to this area for one reason: Cashmere High School zoning. If you know anything about property investment, you’ll know that being in the catchment of a sought-after school is like owning beachfront property—it never goes out of demand.
With an average house value of $743,050 (up 1.5% over the past two years) and homes selling in just 29 days, it’s clear that buyers and tenants alike see the value here. Rental data is limited, but two-bedroom homes are currently fetching around $537 per week, up 3.6%—and you can bet that larger family homes are doing even better.
Beyond schools, Somerfield is packed with parks, cafés, and solid infrastructure, making it a place people actually want to live. That means long-term tenants, low vacancy rates, and stable rental income—a dream scenario for investors.
Smart Investment Moves in Somerfield
- Three-bedroom homes with a backyard—families will stay for years.
- Adding a second bathroom? Worth it. More convenience = higher rent.
- Smaller townhouses work too, but standalone homes tend to attract the best long-term tenants.
Burnside – The Blue-Chip Suburb for Investors Who Play the Long Game
Burnside isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to be. Some suburbs justify their price tags by delivering premium returns and attracting premium tenants—and Burnside is one of them.
With an average house value of $880,600, Burnside sits at the higher end of the Christchurch market. But investors who look past the upfront cost will find a high-yield rental suburb with incredibly strong demand. The median rent is now $625 per week, with an estimated yield of 3.7%—not bad considering Burnside’s long-term capital growth of 5.6%.
Why is demand so high? Burnside is home to Burnside High School, one of Christchurch’s top-rated schools, and it’s a key location for professionals working near the airport. This means stable, high-quality tenants who are willing to pay more for location and convenience.
Smart Investment Moves in Burnside
- Stick to three-bedroom family homes—this is what tenants in Burnside want most.
- Cosmetic updates will pay off—modern kitchens, heat pumps, and energy-efficient upgrades can push rental prices even higher.
- Looking at townhouses or smaller homes? Make sure they’re close to transport links and key amenities.
With 29% of Burnside residents renting, this suburb offers a high-value, high-demand investment opportunity—perfect for investors who are willing to spend a bit more upfront for long-term gains.
So, Where’s the Best Place to Invest?
Each of these suburbs offers something different:
- Spreydon – A no-fuss, high-yield suburb with strong rental demand and affordable buy-in prices.
- Somerfield – A family-focused suburb where tenants stay long-term, offering stability and strong capital growth.
- Burnside – A premium suburb attracting high-value tenants and delivering solid long-term appreciation.
If you’re after a high-yield rental with quick turnover, Spreydon is your best bet.
If you want long-term tenants and minimal hassle, Somerfield is a smart choice.
And if you’re playing the long game and want a blue-chip investment, Burnside is where you should be looking.
Need a Property Manager Who Knows Christchurch?
Buying an investment property is just the first step—managing it well is what makes it truly profitable. That’s where The Rent Shop comes in.
From finding top-quality tenants to handling everything from maintenance to rent collection, our experienced Christchurch property managers make sure your investment runs smoothly and stress-free.
Thinking about investing in Christchurch? Let’s talk. The best suburbs are waiting—make sure you’ve got the right team on your side.
