The $240 million Northern Corridor got under way earlier this year and is expected to take about three years to complete.
It is part of the government's wider Christchurch Motorways Plan.
Bayleys Real Estate Rangiora manager, Richard Peters, said the motorway was likely to boost house prices in North Canterbury
"The increased accessibility for motorists will definitely encourage people to move north of the Waimakariri River, which would certainly not be detrimental to prices."