This paper focuses on the observed seismic performance of residential houses (mainly single-storey and two-storey houses) in the Darfield earthquake on 4 September 2010 and identifies potential research areas for remediation and resilience. Overall the residential building stock, consisting predominately of light timber frame construction, performed very well, with very little structural damage due to ground shaking. The most significant structural damage to houses was from differential settlement of foundations, induced by soil liquefaction and/or lateral spreading. Many older buildings (more than 20 years old) suffered damage due to falling chimneys. Close to the fault rupture, in areas such as West Melton and Rolleston, there was significant damage to building contents due to strong shaking, and a few broken windows. Away from the fault zone, very few windows were broken in any buildings, indicating limited inter-storey drift. Research needs were identified associated mainly with the design and repair of houses on liquefaction-prone soils.