Renting in Christchurch

The Government says there is no housing crisis, but there are challenges around housing in Christchurch.  Rentals have increased 15-20 percent and people are living in garages, tents and cars. Can they explain why a family I know of has 14 people residing in one residence?  Can they also explain why there is a family with young children, in this group, living in a tent on the property?  These are middle class citizens who are unable to afford the rental prices in Christchurch.  The father has a job, but the mother stays at home with her young family.  They have been unable to find rental accommodation they can afford with one income.  And now winter is coming.

Daughter 1 and her partner are living with me and have been for over a year.  They have saved for a bond, but have been unable to find suitable accommodation within their budget.  Now they are looking to share with another couple to be able to afford a decent flat.  They should not have to.

I have been to a couple of viewings with them and now understand their difficulty in finding somewhere to live.  I have seen earthquake damaged residences where landlords want $350-$400 per week.  I have seen cracks in walls, uneven floors, mould on walls, etc.  Yet, there are queues of people desperately viewing these properties in the hope of being selected. My daughter has broaden her search to include properties up to $450 per week in the hope of finding something better.

Recently one of my husbands colleagues talked about buying a property to rent out.  My husband wanted to know more thinking it might be suitable for his daughter.  It turns out the colleague is only interested in renting it out at $1 000 per week to those who need temporary accommodation while their home is repaired or they await a rebuild.  He is one of many who wish to make money out of other's misfortune.

Workers coming to Christchurch for the rebuild have not helped the situation.  I have seen them at viewings trying to find accommodation for their families.  We need these people, but there is not enough accommodation to go around.  What happened to the proposed villages for these workers?

My daughter currently wants to remain in Christchurch where she and her partner have good jobs. Her partner intends to return to studying next year and then they wish to go overseas.  Personally, I hope they stay overseas.  What does this city have to offer them?  Maybe in 15 years it might be worth coming back.  In the meantime leave this city for people like property investors and construction companies to make money from.  Apparently the people don't matter.