Christchurch - Rental Areas

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 1:11 am Post subject: Christchurch - Rental Areas

Hi

We'll soon be sorting out accom in Chch and I wondered if those of you already there could recommend central areas where we might find a nice apartment for rental - we would prefer nice cafe-culture areas - youngish scene - and yes I count mid-30's as young Razz

(i.e. not a retirement area!!

). Looking to spend up to $300/320 per week but would prefer to spend less!

What is the "Brighton" area like?

Plus, what are the commutes from out-lying areas like into town centre in the morning? Good public transport or must we have a car?

All advice welcome Nice One

Moorf

wilson182 · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 2:37 am Post subject:

Hi Helen

Check out Merrivale, I think it might suit you. Nice One

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:03 am Post subject:

Ohhh spot on - especially since the guide I found mentioned that it is up and coming for antiques - my fav Nice One

Thanks wilson
Moorf

Robert · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:29 am Post subject:

You might be lucky to find an appartment in Merrivale for that price (although it is worth a look). Avonhead, Fendalton, St Albans and the city centre might be slightly cheaper and surround merrivale.

I would not rent in Brighton until you have seen it. It suits some but not others.

JCM · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:41 am Post subject: Re: Christchurch - Rental Areas

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:42 am Post subject:

I see that Eek

the prices in Merivale are rather over the top - can't see a reason to pay top whack when there appear to be more places on offer in Fendalton.

Thanks for info...

Moorf

kiwi · Valued Member Joined: 02 Apr 2004 Posts: 126

These are some seaside properties ...Sumner is posh, Brighton isnt (although we live near there!! we are nearer QE2 though..large wave pool, sporting complex as we have a zillion children and keeps them entertained) this will give you an idea of price. Rents have dropped in the last 6 weeks though and there is more of them...bit hard to understand as it was on a word doc
Nic

PROPERTIES TO LET - RAY WHITE, REDCLIFFS 384 4592 Thu 03 June 04
Suburb Price Description address gge bath age w/w pets fence avail
Superior Accom

Sumner $410 2 brm spacious hillside unit,amazing view 28 Whitewash Head osp no mix w/d,w/m cat part now
Redcliffs $400 4 brm 2 bthrm,just finished lge family hm 24 Wakatu Ave dbl YES new d/w,r/h yes full 29-May
Sumner $390 3 brm upstairs living sunny,waterfront part 110 The Esplande sng yes mix tbc part now
Heathcote $380 4 brm,2 bthrm + study,o/p living,1yr old 20 Cooks Lane osp yes 1yr d/w,r/h no full 4-Jul
McCormacks $375 3 brm modern exec hm,large living 5 Virginia Lane dbl yes mod d/w,w/d no full now
Redcliffs $360 4 brm revamped family hm,close to park 48 Bayview Road dbl yes 40's cat part 30-May
City $330 2 brm central city spacious apartment. 2 Victoria Mansions no yes mix full no n/a 16-Jun
Sumner $310 3-4 brm spacious hm,close 2 school 10 A Arnold Street sng yes 60's frig tbc full now
Sth Shore $300 3 brm waterfront hm,boaties paradise 112 C Rockinghorse dbl yes 70's no tbc part 3-Jul
Sumner $300 2 + study waterfront part,warm 110 A The Esplande osp no mix tbc full now
Sth Shore $295 3 brm + sleepout,warm fam hm,log burner 75 A Rockinghorse Rd dbl yes 70's tbc part now
Ferrymead $295 4 brm family hm,dbl glazing,close to shop 2 Charlesworth Street sng yes 60's no tbc part end may
Redcliffs $280 3 brm sunny townhouse,water front views 80C McCormacks Bay sng no 70's no yes full 29-May
Sumner $275 3 brm warm modern family home 68 B Arnold Street sng no mod d/w tbc full flexi
Sumner $260 2 brm tidy home,private back garden. 5 Thorpe Street osp no 60's no yes full now
Mt Pleasant $250 2 brm + sunroom,revamped cottage,c views 32 Belleview Tce sng yes char cat full now

Fully Furnished
Redcliffs $600 3 brm exec. Hillside hm.sea + city views 6 A Horizon Heights dbl yes mod all no part now
Mt Pleasant $425 4 brm mod,o/p living,new furn,gr8 views 35 Soleares Ave c/p yes 80's d/w tbc part now
Redcliffs $360 3 brm family hm,backing onto park 20 Wakatu Ave dbl yes 50's d/w,w/m tbc full now

Signature - Herein our latest property list for your information, please ensure tenants know NOT to go onto property.
fax 364 7343 Tenants must phone office Mon - Fri for an appointment time

Moorf · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 3:27 am Post subject:

Thank you! Nice One

Although I have a "feel" for the areas I think that we shall have to stroll thru/view them first before committing to a 6 month rental - so perhaps we shall book into a motel (or somewhere self catering) for the first week or so.

Wow - it's getting exciting now - not long to go! Nutcase

Moorf

kiwi · Valued Member Joined: 02 Apr 2004 Posts: 126

I would absolutely recommend that. Book for at least 3 weeks, gives you time to look at areas and even buy if you wish. If you go straight to a rental they all want a min of 12 mths (if they can get it) 6 mths is the least, unless you are lucky and get a periodic one. You might hate it after 4 weeks and are stuck paying the rent until they can re rent it.

Go to some of the holiday cottage sites, and book a house for a few weeks, might cost you $500-$700 a week, but no bond and saves you being trapped somewhere you hate.and much nicer than a scanky motel.
Nic

Warhorse2004 · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 7:45 am Post subject:

The prices that are quoted for the rentals in this thread , is this NZ dollars ?

Moorf · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:14 am Post subject: Buying as an alternative??

Yes, they look right for NZ dollars.

++++

Hmmm buying - we have a large amount of ££ in the bank at present - not sure what to do with it whilst in NZ - a possibility is to buy - but what if we don't get jobs and visa - we would then have to sell again after 6 mths.

We sold our main property in the UK a couple of months ago and are currently living in an apartment that we usually rent out. We could, therefore, afford to purchase an apartment in Chch BUT.. what would the returns be, if any, after just 6 mths - is the market on the up there still - I am sure I had read somewhere that it had peaked already and might possibly start on a downward trend now or soon.

Our alternative to buy property here in the UK isn't really a good financial bet right now - otherwise I guess its premium bonds!!

Moorf

925exile · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 6:18 pm Post subject:

Hi Moorf, your situation sounds similar to mine. My wife and I moved to Chch in March, we are late 20's & mid 30's. We spent the 1st week in a serviced holiday appt and then were lucky enough to find a short term let (8 weeks while the owners were over sea's) in Ilam. Getting short term accommodation while you look for something more permanent is not immpossible. a few lanlords target that market and tend to advertise in "The Press" chch's daily paper or in backpacker/internet cafe windows. If you can find something of this nature believe me it is far cheaper than paying $700 a week in motel/flats. Anyway after checking out most of christchurch we brought a place in Avonhead which we felt offerd a lot without to many drawbacks. Ive been keeping quite a close eye on the property market in Chch and if you believe the agents (????) then they are expecting the market to level out over the next 6 months but not to go into freefall. Bank rates are climbing and are higher than the uk! I think most banks are offering a floating rate of around 8% on mortgages

but unlike the UK they will negotiaite Clapping

. You can get all the stats on property sales in NZ from www.realenz.co.nz and click on market stats. Hope this is of some help anyway. when do you arrive in NZ? sounds like you be leaving a lovely summer for a slightly chilly but still sunny NZ cool

well good luck to you.......

Robert · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 8:03 pm Post subject:

2 weeks ago the press had a whole sheet of properties to let in all areas, including almost 30 in Sumner. There are a lot of desperate landlords out there and you might be able to negotiate a good deal.
remember that unlike the UK there is no legal minimum rental period of 6 months so you could offer to pay a little more per week if it will swimg you a shorter deal...

Moorf · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 11:23 pm Post subject:

exile/Robert - thanks for that info - we also contacted an rental agency in Chch who confirmed that there is an excess of rental properties which is great news!

Nice One