Good schools, modern homes, plenty of recreational facilities and convenient access to Christchurch have made both towns particularly attractive to families and working professionals. For property investors, that growing popularity has also created opportunities.

At A1 Property Managers, we've been looking after rental properties in Selwyn for 30 years. We've seen the changes firsthand, from the early subdivisions through to the busy, well-established communities we know today. With over 250 properties currently under our management in the area and three team members based at our Rolleston office, we know the local rental market pretty well.

So, what makes Rolleston and Lincoln worth considering, whether you're looking for a rental home or your next investment property?

Rolleston – A Town That's Come Into Its Own

Anyone who remembers Rolleston 20 or 30 years ago will appreciate just how much it's changed.

Located around 22 kilometres southwest of Christchurch, Rolleston has grown from a small rural settlement into a busy residential and commercial centre, with a population now exceeding 25,000.

These days, there's very little you need to leave town for. Supermarkets, shops, cafés, restaurants, medical centres and other everyday services are all close by. Te Ara Ātea library and community hub, Foster Park, the Selwyn Aquatic Centre and Selwyn Sports Centre provide plenty of options for families and people wanting to stay active.

For families, schooling is another big drawcard. Rolleston Primary, Clearview Primary, West Rolleston Primary and Rolleston College are among the local education options, with facilities continuing to develop alongside the growing population.

Plenty of Housing Choice

One of Rolleston's biggest attractions is the range of modern homes available.

Developments such as Faringdon, Falcon's Landing and Stonebrook have helped shape the town, offering everything from compact townhouses and easy-care properties through to spacious family homes and larger executive-style houses.

For tenants, that means a good choice of homes to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Families often look for three or four bedrooms, practical living spaces and a manageable section, while professionals and couples may prefer something smaller and lower maintenance.

For investors, the variety of housing is appealing, but it also means there's competition. With new properties regularly coming onto the rental market, getting the asking rent and presentation right is important.

A Growing Business and Employment Hub

Rolleston's growth isn't just about housing.

The iZONE Southern Business Hub has helped establish the town as an important industrial and commercial centre for Canterbury, bringing businesses and employment opportunities into the area.

The town centre has also continued to develop, with more shopping, dining and services catering to the growing population.

Further investment in residential developments, roads, community facilities and green spaces is planned as Rolleston continues to expand.

For tenants, being able to live close to work, schools and everyday amenities is a real advantage. And for landlords, a growing local employment base can help broaden the pool of people looking to rent in the area.

Easy Access to Christchurch – With Commuter Rail on the Horizon

Rolleston's location has always been one of its strengths.

The Christchurch Southern Motorway makes travelling into the city relatively straightforward, with a drive of around 20–30 minutes in lighter traffic, depending on your destination. Metro bus services also connect Rolleston with Christchurch.

There's potentially another transport option on the way too.

The Government has recently announced support for a proposed 12-month commuter rail trial, which would bring regular passenger train services back to Christchurch.

The proposal, being developed by Mainland Rail, would see morning and evening commuter services between Rangiora, Rolleston and central Christchurch, potentially starting in mid-2027.

Local funding arrangements still need to be confirmed, but for Rolleston residents who commute into Christchurch, a train service could be a welcome alternative to sitting in traffic.

For property investors, improved transport connections could make Rolleston even more appealing to tenants who work in Christchurch but prefer living outside the city.

A Lifestyle That's Hard to Beat

There's plenty to enjoy about living in Rolleston.

Foster Park offers sports fields, playgrounds and walking areas, while the Selwyn Aquatic Centre and Selwyn Sports Centre provide year-round activities for all ages.

The town's parks, cycling routes, cafés and community facilities make it easy to get out and about without travelling far.

And when you do feel like heading further afield, Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, the Port Hills and Canterbury's outdoor attractions are all within reach.

It's this combination of modern housing, local employment, schools, recreation and convenience that continues to make Rolleston attractive to families, professionals and people looking for a change of pace.

Lincoln – A Little More Laid-Back

Lincoln has grown considerably too, although it's managed to hold on to much of its village feel.

The established trees, cafés, local shops and relaxed atmosphere give it a slightly different character from Rolleston. It's the sort of place where you can grab a coffee, walk to the shops or take the kids to the park without having to travel far.

Lincoln University and the surrounding research organisations also bring a mix of people into the area, including academics, professionals, students and families.

For tenants, it's a good balance between small-town living and being close enough to Christchurch for work or other commitments.

For investors, Lincoln offers a mix of established properties and newer homes. Family-sized houses in convenient locations can appeal to long-term tenants, while smaller properties may suit professionals or couples.

As with Rolleston, it pays to know what tenants are looking for and how much similar properties are actually renting for before making an investment decision.

What's Driving Selwyn's Popularity?

Selwyn's growth hasn't happened overnight.

Between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, the district's population increased by around 29%, making it one of New Zealand's fastest-growing areas.

A lot of that growth has been driven by people wanting a little more space, newer housing and a change of pace without giving up access to Christchurch.

The schools, sporting facilities, parks, employment opportunities and growing number of local businesses have all helped make Selwyn an attractive place to settle.

For landlords, a growing population is encouraging, but it doesn't automatically mean every rental property will perform well.

New subdivisions bring more potential tenants, but they also bring more rental properties onto the market. That's why understanding the local competition is so important.

What Should Investors Look for in a Rolleston or Lincoln Rental?

We often talk to people who are considering buying an investment property in Selwyn, and one of the first things we encourage them to think about is who their likely tenant will be.

A four-bedroom family home close to schools will appeal to a different market from a compact two-bedroom property with a small section.

There's no single property type that's right for every investor, but there are a few things worth paying attention to.

Location is always important. Being close to schools, shops, parks or transport routes can make a property more appealing.

A practical layout, good heating, insulation and ventilation are also important, particularly with tenants increasingly conscious of comfort and running costs.

And don't underestimate the value of an easy-care section. Many tenants want somewhere to enjoy the outdoors without spending every weekend mowing lawns and maintaining gardens.

It's also worth considering the costs that come with owning a rental, including insurance, rates, maintenance and any periods when the property might be vacant.

The best-looking house isn't necessarily the best investment. What matters is buying something that suits the local rental market and stacks up financially.

Why Local Knowledge Makes a Difference

One thing we've learnt from managing properties in Selwyn for 30 years is that the rental market isn't the same everywhere.

What works well in one part of Rolleston might not be quite as appealing in another. Lincoln has its own mix of tenants and property types, and the wider Selwyn area is different again.

Having someone who knows the local market can help when deciding what rent to ask, how to present a property and what improvements are worth making.

It's also useful when it comes to maintenance and inspections. With a team based in Rolleston, we're close to the properties we manage and familiar with the area.

For landlords who live elsewhere, having a local team looking after their investment can be particularly reassuring.

A1 Property Managers – Looking After Selwyn Rentals for 30 Years

Selwyn has been part of our business for a long time.

We've managed rental properties in Rolleston, Lincoln and the surrounding area for 30 years, and today we look after more than 250 properties locally.

We also have our own office in Rolleston, with three team members based there.

That means we're not managing Selwyn properties from a distance. We're working in the area, visiting properties, meeting tenants and helping landlords with the day-to-day realities of owning a rental.

Our job covers everything from finding suitable tenants and setting the right rent through to inspections, maintenance, rent collection and keeping on top of tenancy requirements.

Just as importantly, we're here to offer practical advice when landlords need it.

Whether it's deciding what improvements might help attract tenants, reviewing the rent or dealing with an unexpected maintenance issue, we know how valuable it is to have someone experienced looking after things.

After 30 years managing properties in Selwyn, we've built up a pretty good understanding of what works, what doesn't and what landlords need from their property manager.

Thinking About Buying or Already Own a Rental in Selwyn?

If you're looking at buying an investment property in Rolleston or Lincoln, we're always happy to have a chat before you commit.

We can give you an idea of what the property might rent for, what tenants are looking for and whether there are any things worth considering before you buy.

And if you already own a rental property in Selwyn, whether you're managing it yourself or using another agency, we'd be happy to talk about how we can help.

With over 250 properties under management in the area, a local Rolleston office and 30 years of experience, we know Selwyn and the people who call it home.

Looking for property management in Rolleston, Lincoln or the wider Selwyn District? Get in touch with A1 Property Managers for a no-obligation rental appraisal or a friendly chat about your property.