Rents have stabilised and are now only $2 above the national average. In February 2016, private sector rents in Christchurch were 4.0% lower than February last year. 

Some of the interesting facts and figures include:

• For the 12 months to February 2016, Christchurch has gained 5,917 new residents while Canterbury gained a net of 7,140 people.
  
• 4,073 new buildings were consented in Christchurch between March 2015 and February 2016, for a total value of $2.49 billion.
  
• House prices have plateaued in Christchurch due to more residential property coming onto the market and incomes increased by 3 percent so housing is more affordable.
  
• Rents have stabilised and are now only $2 above the national average. In February 2016, private sector rents in Christchurch were 4.0 percent lower than February last year.
  
• The Canterbury tourism industry keeps recovering well with guest nights 6.6 percent up from the previous year and international spending in Christchurch up by 8 percent from a year ago.
  
• Strong tourism and low interest rates will help to keep momentum in retail activity.
  
• The view from CDC’s economic analysts: overall there is an expectation the Christchurch economy will perform well in 2016, despite a natural slowdown in construction activity.
  

For more information — http://www.cdc.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mar16_snapshot.pdf