Living in the Christchurch area a guide for tenants and landlord investors

If you look at a map of the UK, right at the bottom of the page you will find the Isle of Wight. Christchurch is on the mainland almost opposite the Isle of Wight, effectively as far south as you can go without getting wet feet! With a mainline station that will get you to London in about 2 hours and a road network that means driving to London will take about the same amount of time, it is a popular destination also for holiday makers and second homeowners. With the sea to the south, Christchurch is built on the confluence of the Rivers Avon and Stour, indeed historically Christchurch was known as Tweoxneam or Twynham meaning two rivers. To the east is The New Forest National Park and to the west are the larger towns of Bournemouth & Poole, Poole boasts the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.

Historically Christchurch and the surrounding area has been a holiday destination and a destination for retirees, many having had holidays locally during their younger years; we are not all old however! Because of the location, many younger families choose to raise their families here, schools for all ages have great reputations.

Where do we start? With the water so close, an obvious choice would be water sports such as: –

• kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, boating, there are places to teach you if you have no experience.

But also….

• Cycling: there are so many places to go, along the coast, into the New Forest, the list is endless!
• There is a weekly market in The High Street.
• Christchurch Priory Church, one of the longest parish churches in the country dates from the 11^th
• Theatre, the art deco Regent Theatre offers everything from live shows to theatre production and latest films.
• Golf, there are more than a dozen courses within 10 miles of Christchurch from par 3 to championship standard.
• Eating out – the choice is endless from cafes to enjoy a coffee and a pastry to top class restaurants.

• Annual food festival, this attracts thousands of visitors every May.
• Annual music festival weekend in July, a chance to enjoy local bands and musicians whilst enjoying food and drink with the river Stour as a backdrop.
• Bournemouth Air Show, 4 days in September each year although not in Christchurch, a short ride on the bus will take you to Bournemouth to enjoy this renowned show with regular visitors The Red Arrows.

This will largely depend on what you compare it to, compared to London and the surrounding counties Christchurch is not as expensive but the demand is high and that drives property prices and rents up. Council tax costs range from Band A @ c£1370 pa to Band H @ £4100 pa.

According to Crime Rate UK, Christchurch is the safest medium size town in Dorset!

It is often said that the area enjoys a microclimate with mild springs and autumns, warm summers and winters that rarely give us snow.

This will very much depend on what you are looking for, very few properties will have sea views so they will always hold a premium. Established older family homes can be found in places such as Friars Cliff, we also have a couple of small modern housing estates. Within striking distance there are some lovely villages where you can find anything from a thatched cottage to a grand manorial home with land.

Prices have risen dramatically since covid with high demand from people able to work from home and choose where they live. The same applies to rents, expect to pay c£700 – £800 for a 1-bedroom flat, £850 – £1200 for a 2 bedroom flat, £1100 – £1300 for a 2 bedroom house and anything from £1350 for 3 bedrooms.

Established in 2003, Belvoir Christchurch is the longest established letting agency in the town, well placed to advise both tenants and prospective landlords. Our advice is free, why not get in touch?