Going South: Christchurch calls to North Islanders
Droves of young Kiwis are leaving Auckland and Wellington to head south in search of cheaper properties.
Alex Sefton, a 27-year-old working in recruitment, is one of many young professionals who have decided to make the move from Wellington to Christchurch.
“When we started looking, we were like, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know why more people aren’t moving [to Christchurch]’.”
Although Sefton and her fiance have never lived or spent much time in Christchurch, they have purchased a new build that will be completed in October.
“My brother has lived in Wellington
and he’s actually moved to Christchurch as well and he’s like, ‘The surf’s better, you’ve got the mountains, there’s just a little bit more down there’.”
But the biggest drawcard for the couple was the price, and they were able to get a home for $620,000.
Sefton will be taking advantage of a flexible working arrangements and will work remotely for her current employer when she makes the move.
“If you have that opportunity to do flexible working and keep your job in Wellington then why not?”
Last month’s Oneroof House Price Report found the average house price in Auckland was $1.53m and Wellington was sitting just shy of $1.3 million, compared to $797,000 in Christchurch.
Managing director of Najib Real Estate Nathan Najib told the Herald in the last week they’ve sold three houses to North Island residents.
“Because it’s so affordable here, compared to the rest of the country, this is the most affordable major city to buy in.”
Melanie Duggan, a mother in her 20s, had lived in Auckland but said she and her fiance would have been unable to buy a home.
The couple are now living with his parents in Christchurch and are saving for their own home.
“Looking at the cost of living in other places it doesn’t make sense to live anywhere else but here.”