- Christchurch’s new $683m stadium is boosting the central city townhouse market.
- Agents report increased interest from rugby fans and investors due to the stadium’s opening.
- Properties near the stadium are being marketed as ideal for Airbnb and long-term investment.
Christchurch’s $683 million, 30,000-seater stadium is bringing rugby fans to the city centre, some of whom are also looking at townhouses.
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Agents report a reinvigoration of the townhouse market in the centre because of Te Kaha, which officially opened at Anzac weekend with the Crusaders beating the Waratahs to a sell-out crowd.
The city had been waiting for a stadium since the 2011 earthquakes led to the demolition of Lancaster Park.
Ali Ahmadi, of Ray White, told OneRoof one of his listings was under offer at the weekend because of the new stadium for a sum close to the $465,000 RV.
“I had that on the market since the 25th of March, and the buyer came through an open home [last] weekend. He had attended the first weekend of rugby games, the opening of the stadium.”
One NZ Stadium is open for business and expected to boost the tourism economy in Christchurch. Photo / Alyse Wright
Ilaisa Droasese, of the Fijian Drua, charges forward during a Super Rugby match against the Chiefs at One NZ Stadium. Photo / Getty Images
The rugby fan lives outside of Christchurch and wanted somewhere to stay when he is in town. “Rather than booking an Airbnb every time he comes here, he said, why not buy something and run it as an Airbnb, and when he comes to the games, to the stadium, he can just stay there himself.”
Ahmadi said he counted only a few people at the open homes before the grand opening. Now, he’s had over eight groups through.
In his listing on OneRoof he said the one-bedroom townhouse is “Airbnb-zoned” and in the “absolute ‘golden square’ of the CBD ... just a three-minute walk from the new One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha”.
He adds: “In 2026, location is the only currency that matters. As the stadium lights turn on and the world arrives in Christchurch, properties in this specific corridor are the ones that will lead the market.”
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Ahmadi told OneRoof that one buyer had said he wanted to buy something before the All Blacks games in July.
The agent has another “Airbnb-zoned” listing two blocks away on Salisbury Street, which is on for $450,000 and is attracting interest, mostly from rugby fans.
He said the stadium had also reawakened investor interest in the suburb.
“In my opinion, what the stadium has done is create hope. In uncertain times, it’s given people a bit more certainty, especially to investors.”
A one-bedroom lock-and-leave at 8/201 Salisbury Street, in Christchurch Central, has a $450,000 price tag. The listing also says the property is "Airbnb-zoned". Photo / Supplied
A two-bedroom townhouse at 7/266 Armagh Street, in Christchurch Central, is looking for buyer enquiries over $519,000. Photo / Supplied
Another of his listings, a two-bedroom property at 7/266 Armagh Street, is seeking buyer enquiries over $519,000. The executive townhouse was built in 2023 and is near the stadium, the Margaret Mahy Playground and the city’s New Regent Street dining precinct.
In nearby Latimer Square, Bayleys agent Adam Heazlewood has an upmarket three-bedroom townhouse for sale. The luxury build by Krush Architecture has an RV of $2.29m and has views of the stadium.
Heazlewood told OneRoof the stadium’s opening had benefitted the marketing campaign. “You can see it from your balcony.”
Latimer Square had come a long way since the earthquakes, with much of the lesser-grade housing that was there now replaced with new builds, some in the $2m-plus bracket, Heazlewood said.
Bayleys agent Adam Heazlewood is taking 22 Latimer Square, a three-bedroom new-build near the stadium, to auction at the end of the month. Photo / Supplied
The auction for the three-bedroom unit at 36/280 Bealey Avenue was brought forward after strong buyer interest. Photo / Supplied
Buyers from outside of Christchurch had shown interest. Some were moving to the city to live, while others were looking for a secondary home.
Harcourts Holmwood agent Liz O’Neill agreed the stadium had re-energised the market, saying a three-bedroom unit she was selling on Bealey Avenue was attracting strong interest.
“A lot of people are thinking in terms of the long-term effects of the stadium being there and potentially being able to rent it out or Airbnb it.”
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