Christchurch's City Centre continues to face challenges in attracting permanent residents post-earthquake, despite recovery in other areas. In 2018, the Council launched Project 8011, aiming to increase the population to 20,000 by 2028. However, population growth remains below expectations. The development of small one- and two-bedroom townhouses, often without car parks or outdoor spaces, has saturated the market. These properties are often used for short-term rentals like Airbnb, discouraging long-term ownership and fostering speculative investments. This research identifies key factors influencing inner-city residency decisions, emphasising the importance of outdoor spaces, communal areas, car parking, and diverse housing types.