High demand for Wanaka rentals

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 The only Housemart “to rent” sign in Wanaka – showing the demand for rental properties is unusually high.

According to recent figures from property management specialists Housemart, the demand for rental properties in Wanaka has increased by 30 per cent over the last two months compared with the same period in 2011 and 2012.

“We have rented out three times as many properties in October this year compared with the same month last year,” says Colleen Topping, senior property manager at Housemart. “This increase has put a big squeeze on available properties leading up to Christmas.

“The vacancy time between tenants has also decreased dramatically, with the majority only vacant for about two days. We’re seeing properties snapped up straight after we’ve listed them,” she says.

Hamish and Julianne Osborne of Dunedin have noticed this sudden increase in demand on their two Wanaka rental properties.

Julianne says one of their properties that was vacant for a month in 2011 and vacant for two months in 2012, was only vacant for two days this year. “In fact the tenants will be paying rent before they move in just to secure the property,” she says. “Which as a property owner is the best case scenario so we’re very pleased.

“Our other Wanaka property was vacant for just over a month last year and this year there will be no down time at all between tenants as it has re-rented straight away,” she says.

Colleen says it is great to see growth in the Wanaka rental market. “This is wonderful news for property owners and potential investors. It’s also a positive for Wanaka as a community, with more people desiring to live in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand – and who can blame them!”

ENDS

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