Methamphetamine use looks to be increasing in Christchurch.

Housing New Zealand says 6 out of 19 recently built state houses were found “P” positive.

Independent drugs screener Nicole Flanagan said the Canterbury Health Board processes her readings and they’re concerned.

“They’ve said they’ve noticed a rise and that it’s becoming more prevalent each year.”

She said an even bigger concern is that the trend can’t be isolated to one particular group.

“It was first thought it was tradies that were the main users, but that’s no longer correct. It’s among all classes of people.”

It appears those keen on the property market are aware of the alarming stats too.

Meth Solutions Director Miles Stratford said it’s no longer just “higher risk” properties that people are getting tested.

He said prospective purchasers make 90 per cent of his customers who are just testing as a “matter of course”.