5 best places to invest in Christchurch
If you’re wondering which suburb across the city is the best investment, Opes Partners managing director Andrew Nicol shares rental yields, growth data and expert insights for 2026 in order of how fast prices have grown.
1. Addington
Median house value: $564,100
Yield (rental return): 4.6%
How fast prices have grown: 6.1%
One of Addington’s biggest advantages is that it’s so close to Christchurch Hospital. That means that there are lots of hospital workers who want to rent nearby. We find that this kind of tenant demand is usually more reliable than rental demand based only on buzz. It’s unlikely that the hospital is going to move any time soon. Of the 5000 people who live in Addington, a huge 66% rent. You’re almost just as likely to get a couple or a young family.
2. St Albans
Median house value: $888,000
Yield (rental return): No data available
How fast prices have grown: 6.0%
St Albans is a suburb for investors who are willing to pay a bit more upfront in exchange for a stronger suburb name. It borders some of Christchurch’s more desirable areas, like Merivale. Tenants don’t just compare commute times and weekly rent. They also care about how a suburb feels, what it’s known for, and whether it has a good reputation. St Albans has that advantage. It also means tenants are often willing to pay a bit more to live in this area, compared to some more affordable suburbs on this list.
3. Spreydon
Median house value: $627,500
Yield (rental return): 4.5%
How fast prices have grown: 5.9% since January 2000
From an investment point of view, it sits in a really good middle ground. It’s close to the Christchurch CBD, more affordable compared to the expensive suburbs, and is gentrifying. The team say Spreydon is one of the most reliable performers. It appeals to the widest range of tenants. That includes professionals, families, and older renters.
4. Edgeware
Median house value: $551,650
Yield (rental return): 4.9%
How fast prices have grown: 5.8%
Edgeware feels like the quiet achiever of the group. It ticks a lot of the same boxes as Spreydon, but it’s a little closer to the city. Like St Albans, it benefits from being near stronger postcodes without carrying the same price tag. Of the almost 4000 people who live there, 63% are renters.
5. Riccarton
Median house value: $746,800
Yield (rental return): 4.2%
How fast prices have grown: 5.5%
Riccarton is a different type of suburb from the others on this list because its rental demand is closely tied to the University of Canterbury. The student market is a major factor. But it’s not as simple as saying Riccarton is just for students. To be fair, rental demand can rise and fall in Riccarton with the academic calendar. But you have to weigh that up against a very clear and steady source of rental demand.
