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MASSIVE DEMAND FOR WELLINGTON RENTALS
'Massive' demand for Wellington rentals and shortage won't ease soon, Trademe says
Wellington is bearing the brunt of fierce demand for rentals, and there is no relief on the horizon.
Head of Trade Me Property Nigel Jeffries said the demand in Wellington was "massive", with the number of available rentals dropping 70 per cent on December 2016.
January "is likely to be even more extreme", he said.
In one case, a two-bedroom rental in Wellington was listed for 25 hours before it was taken down due to a flood of 55 applications.
The capital also saw the highest rise in median weekly rent over the last two months, up $30, from $450 to $480 in December.
The latest Trade Me Property Rental Index shows fewer listings compared to last year, and the cost of rent was on the rise.
Jeffries said rental availability would only get tighter, and prices higher in 2018.
"Overall the shortage of rental properties isn't going to get easier anytime soon."
"Demand will continue to exceed supply this year and as a result we are predicting that the national median weekly rent will rise between 3 and 5 per cent."
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Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
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Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!