A smart move for farming families.
Turn your farm’s equity into a future-proof move into residential property.
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Build Long-Term Security
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Stress-Free, Start to Finish
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Support Succession & Retirement
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Smart Moves for Family Needs
We’re a team passionate about helping rural families make smart, future focused property decisions.
Founded by Tom Chamberlain, a farmer turned property specialist, Off Farm Residential supports farming families to unlock equity from their land and purchase residential property. From sourcing the right home or rental opportunity to working with trusted developers and managing the process end-to-end, we make buying residential property simple and strategic.
With lived experience in both farming and property, we understand the realities of rural life — and how the right property move can provide peace of mind, flexibility, and long-term security.
End-to-end rental management – one contact, zero hassle.
At Off Farm Residential, we don’t just help you find the right property — we manage the entire rental process for you.
From purchase through to tenancy, we act as your single point of contact, coordinating everything from property management and tenant placement to compliance, maintenance, and rental reviews. No chasing different providers or dealing with unfamiliar systems — we keep things simple, clear, and under control.
Our goal is to make off-farm property ownership as hands-off and stress-free as possible, so you can enjoy the benefits without the time commitment or hassle. We handle the details so you don’t have to.
We guide you through every step of your off-farm residential property journey.
The benefits of buying off-farm
Succession & Retirement Planning
Off-farm assets are a practical way to support succession. They’re easy to sell or transfer, ideal for supporting non-farming children, or helping Mum and Dad retire without needing to carve up the farm. It’s a smart way to diversify family wealth instead of having it all tied to one asset.
Supporting Education & Family Needs
Some families are choosing to buy in town to support their children’s education. For example, one client is purchasing within the Christchurch Boys’ High zone, with Mum living in town during term time. The property can later be used for university-aged children or held long-term as a valuable family asset.
Buying a property near Canterbury or Lincoln University is also a smart move for families with tertiary students. Not only does it provide a stable base during study years, but it also offers strong potential for capital growth in sought-after student areas—making it a practical and profitable decision.
Cash Flow & Financial Stability
Farm income often fluctuates. A well-selected residential property can provide $500 or more per week in consistent rental cash flow—smoothing financial bumps and supporting day-to-day needs through droughts, market drops, or seasonal delays.
Strong Investment Potential
By securing a property with a deposit of as little as $100k–$200k in a good year, families can purchase a rental that covers its own mortgage and offers capital gain potential. And if needed, it can be sold to free up cash during tough seasons.
Long-Term Security & Inflation Protection
Residential property has a long history of increasing in value. It’s a reliable store of wealth and can help protect your family’s purchasing power as costs rise—especially with rents that often increase alongside inflation.
Specialist Connections & Support
Buying in town—especially off-plan—can feel daunting. That’s where Off Farm Residential adds value. We connect you with trusted developers, completed projects, and help you make informed, confident investment decisions.
Borrowing Leverage & Financial Strength
Owning a residential property with strong equity and cash flow can improve your financial position and support future borrowing needs — whether for the farm or beyond.
Intergenerational Flexibility
Owning off-farm assets makes it easier to divide family wealth fairly—supporting both farming and non-farming children without compromising the business.
Lifestyle Options & Flexibility
Off-farm homes can also be used as lifestyle bases for retirement, health needs, or simply taking a break. It’s an asset that supports more than just financial goals.
"Before property, I was a farmer and silage contractor for 17 years.
My own move off the farm led me to work with developers where I saw the power of unlocking even a small amount of equity from the land. With the right rental property and a tenant covering the mortgage, it’s possible to build long-term security without sacrificing lifestyle or flexibility. That’s what Off Farm Residential is all about—helping rural families invest wisely for the future.
— Tom Chamberlain
Ready to explore your options?
We’ll come to you for a free, no-pressure chat. We’ll talk through your goals and show you how your equity could work smarter off the farm.