A question I have been pondering, which may well get one into trouble, is how can property investors make money out of Christchurch.

Yes this sounds crass. Making money out of a tragedy of monumental scale.

But it’s not meant to be as mercenary as making money from other people’s misery.

The big boys are doing this. You just have to look at what is happening with companies like Fletcher Building. It is poised to make many millions from the rebuild.

There was a piece on the TV news the other night about someone, it may have been the government, brought in fund managers and institutional investors, to see what the “opportunities” are in the Christchurch rebuild.

There is no reason why residential investors can’t take the same attitude and see what are the opportunities to make money in the Garden City.

How to make a bob in Christchurch though is something which may require some creative thinking and risk taking.

Clearly there is a demand for rental properties so buying up suitable properties maybe one option. I suspect buying properties that can be remediated and tenanted quickly is another area of opportunity.

So too will be in building new homes. Those who own suitable land to build on look to be in a good position, even though getting builders and materials may prove tricky.

Likewise, adding additional dwellings, such as minor dwellings if they are allowed, is probably attractive.

I suspect there are many other options worth considering too.

Investment theory says those that take on the most risk make the most returns. Christchurch is clearly a place where an investor will be taking on risks, but they may well be worth it.