Auckland reclaims top spot as most expensive place to rent
Auckland has reclaimed the top spot as the country's most expensive place to rent after the Bay of Plenty overtook Tāmaki Makaurau in December, according to Trade Me's latest rental price index.
Trade Me's Gavin Lloyd said: "Average median rent in Auckland went up by 3 per cent compared to last month, reaching a high of $680 per week whilst the Bay of Plenty market dropped by 3 per cent to $650 per week.
"The increase in Tāmaki Makaurau was driven by the North Shore City which recorded an uptick of 4.2 per cent to $720 a week and Waitakere City which is up 2.3 per cent to $665 a week."
The data also showed New Zealand rental prices overall have increased for the second month in a row.
The national median weekly rent in New Zealand has jumped to $630 for the month of January, up 0.8% compared to December last year.
Lloyd said the first month of 2024 could be a "telling sign" of the year ahead.
"Renters were for the most part sheltered from any major price increases for rental properties at the end of 2023 but this may change if the Reserve Bank decides to raise the official cash rate next week in their first meeting of the year.
“As borrowing costs rise, landlords may face increased expenses, and some could pass on these costs to tenants through higher rents.
"This change might make it a bit tougher for renters with the rising cost of living and lack of properties available giving them fewer options when searching for a property," Lloyd said.
Southland retains its status as the most affordable place to rent in New Zealand, with a median price of $450 per week, a slight increase of $10 from December.
The report also included rent for townhouses and apartments, which have climbed to "record highs".
The median weekly rent for an apartment in New Zealand peaked at $560 per week in January and townhouses reached $665 per week.
In Auckland specifically, townhouses also reached an all time high of $730, up 5% compared to the same time last year. Units in Christchurch also saw a jump, up 12.5%, making the median rent $450.
"As net migration is almost at an all time high more people are coming into the country looking for entry level rentals like apartments and townhouses — especially as they are more prevalent in our city centres.
"This increase in demand is likely putting pressure on the supply and impacting prices," Lloyd said.
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
Tips and advice to stay street smart this summer
Summer is finally here!
Time for BBQs, holidays, Christmas, travelling and events galore.
We've put together a whole range of tips and advice so you can put your feet up and relax this summer, knowing that it's all good in your hood.
Our first piece of advice to make your neighbourhood safer this summer, is to get to know the people who live around you! People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
Shop Safe - Preventing Fraud & Scams
You might find yourself making more purchases than usual at this time of year, and many of those might be online, so here's a set of tips and advice to make sure you stay safe and secure whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year. And remember to think about the security of your online shopping when it gets delivered!
Heading away this summer?
It's a busy time of year on new Zealand roads and everyone wants to get from A to B safely. It's also important that your home stays safe while you're away enjoying your 'home away from home'. We have put together a set of tips and advice to help make that happen!
Keeping your car, home and belongings safe
From recording valuable possessions to securing locks, keeping valuables hidden and informing trusted neighbours that you will be away, there are many things you can do to keep your car, home, and belongings safe. Here's a bunch of handy tips!
Party planning checklist and fire-wise tips
Whether it’s a small backyard gathering, or a big celebration for a special occasion, a little extra planning and consideration will go a long way in keeping you, your guests, and your neighbours happy. We also have some tips to make sure you and your families stay fire-wise during summer.
Get to know your neighbours - look out, reach out, help out
The most important action you can take to make your community safer is get to know the people who live around you. People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
It is also important to know who to contact in an emergency and when to use the non-emergency contact for NZ Police. Learn more about Neighbourhood Support, get tips on getting to know your neighbours and the best way to contact the police below.
Strong communities start with small hellos
In terms of crime prevention, your neighbours are the best and cheapest security system you can have. You don't have to love your neighbour, but at least get their number just in case!
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Have a happy, safe and connected summer!
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