Housing
The population of Canterbury/Waitaha is growing and with this trend projected to continue, it will create challenges in providing housing that can meet the region’s needs in terms of quality, affordability, and access to transport and amenities.
Here are some of the issues we face in Waitaha in relation to housing quality, affordability and access to amenities.
Issue: Meeting changing housing needs and preferences, as our population grows
In the past, most new housing growth has been accommodated in greenfield developments on the outskirts of existing urban areas, leading to urban expansion. An ageing population will increase demand for smaller (e.g. one or two-bedroom) homes that are suitable for couple-only and single-person households. In addition, an increasing number of households are likely to face affordability pressures in either renting or owning their own home over the next 30 years.
Housing affordability
While housing in Greater Christchurch is considered relatively affordable (See Figure 1 & Figure 2 below), there is a significant shortage of lower value and smaller homes. Low-income renters are particularly disadvantaged by this, especially single parents and single older people.
There is also an emerging demand for new types of housing development that are not well supported by the existing planning frameworks (e.g. tiny homes and cohousing). A review of the Regional Policy Statement, currently underway and scheduled for notification by the end of 2024, will seek to address the need to support a greater range of housing types to better meet people's needs.
It is important that urban environments provide a variety of housing choices (housing type, size, and tenure) that meet the diverse and changing needs of different households.
Recent changes to the Resource Management Act have made it possible for much greater housing intensification in major urban centres across the country, including in Greater Christchurch.
This increased intensification is intended to help with both housing supply and affordability issues but may also impact the look and feel of our urban communities. It is important that diverse and affordable housing is enabled in our urban areas to support thriving neighbourhoods and communities. (See Figure 3)
Figure 1. There is a large range across the districts for median sales prices but across Waitaha, sales prices have increased by around 150k respectively over the past ten years.
Figure 2. There is a large range across the districts for median sales prices but across Waitaha, sales prices have increased by around 150,000k respectively over the past ten years.
Figure 3. After a period of relatively static growth in new dwelling consents across most councils within Waitaha, the current year has seen a growth in new dwelling building consents across all councils when compared to 2021/22. The Selwyn and Mackenzie districts have consistently had the highest number of new dwelling consents per 1000 residents over the last 5 years.
Further links to
Urban context and policy direction Urban form Urban infrastructure