Auckland apartments are in demand, but are they the best property investment?

If you’ve been searching for “Auckland apartments to invest in,” you’re not alone. Investor interest in the Auckland property market remains strong, particularly in central city apartments and compact dwellings that promise attractive rental returns. However, recent changes in the market may be shifting the balance of opportunity elsewhere.

Property prices in Auckland have made it significantly more challenging to justify from an investors point of view, with rental yields now in the low single digits. Once you’ve paid rates, maintenance and insurance the top-up required each week has become almost unaffordable in 2025. While apartments do offer a more attractive priced entry point, in comparison to a traditional property investment there are some key differences worth considering:

• They come with on-going body corporate costs (on top of your rates bill)
• You don’t own the land, and that is the primary driver of your capital growth portion of your investment return. You have a very limited pool of prospective tenants or buyers – especially in New Zealand. The Auckland apartment market is incredibly variable in its composition, making it hard to compare options, and easily determine fair value.

In comparison, cities like Christchurch, Hamilton, and Bay of Plenty still offer relatively affordable entry points, especially in the new build space without sacrificing yield or capital growth potential for investors.

Why new builds are attracting smart investors in the Selwyn District:

The Selwyn District has rapidly become one of the most compelling investment locations in New Zealand. Here’s why:

1. More affordable entry prices

Compared to Auckland, you can secure a high-quality, brand new home on a full sized section in Christchurch for significantly less, giving you a strong yield and significantly more room for future capital growth.

2. High-quality new builds with strong rental demand

Many of the new builds in Christchurch are turnkey-ready, designed for modern living, and appeal to both young professionals and families. These homes attract stable tenants, meet Healthy Homes standards, and require minimal upkeep.

3. Capital growth potential in a regrowing city

Post-quake redevelopment has brought new life to Christchurch. Infrastructure investment, population growth, and improved amenities are driving demand, and pushing prices steadily upward. The Selwyn district specifically, has been one of the fastest growing regions in NZ over the past few years.

4. Government and lending incentives still apply

New builds often come with lower deposit requirements, extended interest deductibility, and additional benefits for investors, which are especially relevant with changes to property tax rules in 2025.

Auckland vs Christchurch: Where’s the smart money going?

We’ve got properties ready in Christchurch, talk to us

At Properli, we specialise in helping investors make smart, future-focused investments. If you're priced out of Auckland, or simply want to diversify your investment portfolio into high-growth regions, the Selwyn District deserves a serious look.

We have access to exclusive new builds, with strong projected rental yields and turnkey handover. Want to see what’s available?

 or book a free call to chat with our property team.