Buying a Lifestyle Block in Canterbury

Canterbury has an active and accessible lifestyle block market - properties with five acres or more that offer rural character within reasonable reach of Christchurch. Here is what buyers need to investigate before purchasing.

Water Rights and Supply

Water supply is the most critical due diligence item for any Canterbury lifestyle block. Understand exactly where the water comes from and what rights are attached. Urban-fringe lifestyle blocks may be on town supply. Rural properties typically rely on bore water, a stream water right, or rainwater collection. For bore water, investigate: when the bore was last tested; water quality test results; the consented allocation; whether any nearby activity (agricultural, industrial) could affect water quality; and the condition and age of the pump and pressure system. For stream or river water rights, check the consent terms and any restrictions on use. Inadequate or insecure water supply is a fundamental problem that cannot easily be resolved after purchase.

Title Checks for Rural Properties

Rural and lifestyle property titles often carry more encumbrances, easements, and covenants than suburban titles. Common items to check: access easements over the property or in your favour; consent notices for on-site wastewater systems; covenants restricting subdivision or building; grazing or cropping leases on parts of the land; and any notices from Environment Canterbury about water or drainage. Your solicitor should conduct a thorough title search and advise you on the implications of all registered encumbrances before you go unconditional.

Drainage and Flood Risk

Canterbury's rural fringe areas include parts of the Waimakariri and Selwyn River plains. Flood plain land carries risk. Review the LIM for any flood hazard notation and obtain an independent flood hazard assessment from Environment Canterbury for any lifestyle block where drainage or flood risk is uncertain.

Finance for Lifestyle Blocks

Bank lending criteria for lifestyle blocks differ from suburban residential lending. Most banks will lend on lifestyle blocks up to approximately 20 hectares at standard residential LVR ratios if the primary use is residential. Larger properties or those with significant rural production components may require rural lending products with different criteria. Confirm the lending approach with your mortgage broker early - do not assume standard residential lending applies to your specific lifestyle block.

For general information only. Always obtain independent legal, water rights, and finance advice before purchasing a Canterbury lifestyle block.