The final large-scale development site directly adjoining the University of Canterbury is on the market and presents an opportunity to help address Christchurch’s acute student accommodation shortage.
“Student accommodation in Christchurch is in crisis mode,” says Courtney Doig, Director of Investment Sales at Colliers Christchurch.
“The University of Canterbury announced record-breaking enrolments of almost 25,000 students in May 2025, yet accommodation options remain severely limited.”
First-year students are struggling to secure halls of residence places, while second and third-year students face heavy competition for rental options near campus.
Start your property search
The accommodation shortage intensified as the university’s rapid growth has seen demand far exceed available spots, creating urgent pressure for new solutions.
Colliers is marketing for sale 14 Kirkwood Avenue in Upper Riccarton, a 7,823sq m freehold landholding zoned Medium Density Residential that neighbours the campus.
“What makes this site truly exceptional is its proximity – you can walk to lectures in under two minutes,” Doig says.
“There are no other development sites of this size in private ownership this close to campus. Once this is developed, opportunities like it simply won’t exist anymore.”
While ideally suited to student accommodation, the site also lends itself to townhouses, apartments, or mixed-use residential schemes blending lifestyle amenities with higher density living.
“The size of the property is significant enough to deliver a meaningful accommodation solution,” says Will Franks, Investment Sales Broker at Colliers Christchurch.
“Whether that’s a student village, modern townhouses or apartment living, the fundamentals are exceptional. You’re next to the university, minutes from Westfield Riccarton, the CBD is under 10 minutes’ drive away, and it’s within the catchment zones for Christchurch Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools.”
Strong public transport connectivity along Riccarton Road and Waimairi Road further enhances accessibility, while being near Hagley Park provides recreation and lifestyle amenity.
“Student accommodation isn’t just about proximity to campus anymore.
“Modern students want connectivity to retail, hospitality, and lifestyle amenities. This site delivers all of that, which is why we’re anticipating strong interest from both institutional accommodation providers and residential developers.”
With universities nationwide reporting accommodation pressures and purpose-built student housing consistently achieving strong occupancy rates and rental returns, the investment case extends beyond immediate development returns.
“Accommodation providers and developers are actively seeking sites like this,” Doig says.
“The combination of scale, location, and zoning flexibility is rare. Add in the structural undersupply of student accommodation in Christchurch, and you have a genuine market opportunity.”
The property is being offered for sale by deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Thursday 6 November, unless sold prior.
- Supplied by Colliers
