Navigating the Auckland Rental Market During the Busy Summer Months
Tiri Raumati-Greenhalgh • December 11, 2024
The Auckland rental market traditionally experiences a surge in activity during January and early February, making it the busiest time of the year for tenancy movements. With tenants gearing up for the year ahead, this period brings unique opportunities and challenges for both renters and property owners. Here’s what to expect and how to navigate the rental landscape during this bustling season.
Why is Summer So Busy?
Several factors contribute to the heightened activity in the rental market during this time:
- School Zones and Education Planning
Families often prioritise school zones when deciding where to live. January is the ideal time for parents to secure rental properties close to desirable schools before the academic year begins. Auckland’s high-demand zones, such as those near Auckland Grammar or Epsom Girls' Grammar School, see increased competition as families seek to position their children for educational success. - Job Changes and Relocations
The new year often brings new job opportunities. Many tenants relocate closer to their workplaces to reduce commute times and improve work-life balance. Auckland’s bustling job hubs, such as the CBD, Albany, and Manukau, see increased demand for rental properties during this period. - Summer Weather and Lifestyle Choices
The warm summer months inspire tenants to reassess their living situations. Whether it’s upgrading to a home with outdoor spaces or moving closer to Auckland’s beaches, the season encourages change. The improved weather also makes moving house a more appealing prospect. - Market Turnover and Property Availability
With so many tenants moving, landlords often list properties during this time, increasing availability. This higher turnover benefits tenants, offering a wider range of properties to choose from, but also increases competition for the most desirable homes.
What This Means for Tenants
For tenants, the summer surge presents both opportunities and challenges. With more properties on the market, there’s a better chance of finding a home that ticks all the boxes—be it school zones, proximity to work, or outdoor amenities. However, increased competition means tenants should be proactive and prepared:
- Act Quickly: Quality rentals in sought-after areas can be snapped up within days. Have your references and financial documents ready to go.
- Understand Your Priorities: Determine your must-haves, such as location, school zones, or parking, and focus your search accordingly.
- Negotiate Smartly: If you’re considering a long-term lease, some landlords may be open to slight reductions in rent or including additional perks.
What This Means for Landlords
For landlords, this is an excellent time to showcase properties. With high demand, well-maintained homes can attract quality tenants and achieve strong rental returns. To stand out in the competitive market:
- Highlight Key Features: Market your property’s proximity to schools, workplaces, or lifestyle benefits like beaches and parks.
- Set Competitive Rent: While demand is high, tenants have choices. Research the market to set a rent that balances profitability and attractiveness.
- Enhance Property Appeal: Summer is the perfect time to ensure outdoor spaces are inviting and properties are presented in their best light.
Rental Trends to Watch
The Auckland rental market remains dynamic. Data from Trade Me Property shows January and February typically see a spike in rental searches. In 2024, the median rent across Auckland is expected to remain stable, with areas like Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Te Atatū showing strong tenant interest. Properties in these suburbs that cater to family needs and commuter convenience will likely perform well.
The busy summer rental season in Auckland is a time of opportunity for both tenants and landlords. Whether you’re looking for a new home or the perfect tenant, preparation and understanding the market trends will help you succeed. For tenants, being organised and ready to act is crucial. For landlords, showcasing your property’s unique features can help secure quality tenants quickly.
As the summer months approach, keep an eye on the market, stay informed, and make the most of this bustling season in Auckland’s rental landscape.
Stay safe and stay connected.
Market Trends & Demand In Kohi-tātea (January), there were 135,000 searches by potential tenants looking for properties in Epsom. While this is still a strong level of interest, it represents a 5% decrease compared to the same time last year. During this period, five new listings entered the market. The median expected rent price for a three-bedroom townhouse in Epsom is currently $905 per week, reflecting a 1% increase compared to last year. However, one of the most significant shifts is the median days on site, which has skyrocketed to 102 days, a 538% increase from the same period last year. This suggests that properties are taking significantly longer to rent out. Who’s Renting in Epsom? Epsom attracts a mix of young professionals and families. Recent data shows: 37.3% of renters in this area are under 30 years old. 25.4% are aged between 30 and 39. These demographics indicate a steady demand from working professionals and families looking for quality homes in a prime location. How the Unitary Plan is Shaping Epsom’s Rental Market With Auckland’s Unitary Plan pushing for higher-density developments, Epsom has seen an increase in townhouse availability over the past year. This growth in rental stock may be contributing to the longer time on the market for some properties. However, this intensification also benefits renters, providing modern, high-quality housing options in one of Auckland’s most desirable suburbs.
For many renters in New Zealand, finding a pet-friendly home has been a long-standing challenge. With landlords hesitant to accept tenants with pets due to concerns about property damage, many pet owners have struggled to secure suitable accommodation. However, recent proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act aim to balance the rights of tenants and landlords while ensuring more Kiwis can keep their beloved pets. What Are the Proposed Changes? The government has outlined several key reforms designed to make renting with pets easier while addressing landlords' concerns. These proposed changes include: 1. Pet Bonds Under the new rules, landlords will be able to request a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent in addition to the standard bond. This additional financial security is intended to cover any pet-related damages beyond normal wear and tear. 2. Tenant Liability for Pet Damage Tenants will be fully responsible for any damage caused by their pets . While this has always been a concern for landlords, the new changes clarify that tenants must cover all repairs for any pet-related damage, rather than relying on standard bond payments alone. 3. Landlord Consent for Pets Currently, many landlords impose a blanket "no pets" policy. The reforms propose that landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to have a pet . Instead, landlords must provide a valid reason if they deny permission. Acceptable grounds for refusal may include: Property size and suitability – For example, a large dog may not be appropriate in a small apartment. Lack of fencing or secure outdoor space – If a property cannot safely accommodate a pet, landlords may refuse. Allergy concerns in multi-unit dwellings – If other tenants have allergies, landlords may deny requests based on health concerns. 4. Encouraging More Pet-Friendly Rentals With these changes, New Zealand aims to create a more pet-friendly rental market. The goal is to encourage landlords to reconsider their stance on pets , knowing that they have greater financial security through pet bonds and clearly defined tenant responsibilities.
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With the summer school holidays coming to an end, it’s time for many families to return to a normal routine. This period also marks a busy time in the rental market, with plenty of tenant movement and landlords preparing their properties for the New Year rush. Whether you’re a landlord ensuring your investment property is ready for new tenants or a tenant settling back into a routine, now is the perfect time to take stock and get organised for the months ahead. Landlords: Gearing Up for the New Year Summer is peak season in the property management world, with increased demand for rentals and higher turnover. Here’s how landlords can stay on top of things: Prepare for Tenant Turnover : Summer often brings tenant changes as families settle before the school term. Make sure your property is in top shape to attract quality tenants quickly. This includes thorough cleaning, minor repairs, and ensuring all appliances are in working order. Inspect and Maintain : With the hotter weather, now is a good time to inspect air conditioning systems, check for water leaks, and ensure that outdoor areas such as decks and patios are in good condition. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the line and keep your property appealing. Stay Competitive : Review rental prices in your area to ensure you’re offering a fair and attractive rate. Properties priced correctly are more likely to rent quickly, reducing vacancy periods. Consider any recent upgrades or amenities that might justify a higher rent.
Great news for renters and landlords alike! The government has recently passed new laws aimed at encouraging the development of more rental homes. These changes are designed to make renting better for tenants while supporting landlords to provide high-quality rental properties. Here’s what you need to know: What’s Changing? The new rules are focused on two key areas: Encouraging New Rentals The government is introducing policies to make it easier for landlords and investors to build more rental homes. This could mean: Reduced red tape for building new rental properties. Incentives for landlords to create long-term rental options. 2. Fairer Rules for Everyone The laws also aim to create a balanced environment for both tenants and landlords. This includes: Updates to tenancy agreements to provide clearer expectations. Stronger protections for tenants while ensuring landlords can manage their properties effectively. How Will This Impact Tenants? If you’re a tenant, these changes are good news! More rental properties in the market mean: More choices when looking for a home. Potentially lower rent as the competition among properties increases. Clearer and more secure tenancy agreements.
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