Struggling to Rent Your Property? You’re Not Alone – Here’s Why (And What to Do)
If your rental property is sitting vacant longer than usual, you're not the only one. Across New Zealand, the rental market is shifting, and tenants are now spoilt for choice.
In many regions, rental listings in New Zealand have hit record highs. That’s giving renters more power - and causing rental properties to stay vacant longer. Homes in South Taranaki are now taking 35 days on average to rent (up 23% year-on-year), while Stratford is up 50%, and Christchurch up 31%. Even Auckland rentals are taking 10% longer to fill.
So what’s changed? And more importantly, how can landlords and property managers adapt?
Propertyscouts’ Ryan Weir Weighs In
Propertyscouts NZ Director Ryan Weir says the slowdown started between May and October last year - and it’s not just about oversupply. It’s also about how you’re presenting your rental.
In today’s competitive rental market, smart marketing can make all the difference. Here are some of the most effective strategies to help rent your property faster:
- Use professional photos - or touch up smartphone photos with online tools to brighten and enhance them
- Lead with your best images - living spaces, kitchens, and outdoor areas should come first
- Add a video walkthrough - listings with videos often see higher engagement
- Price smart - even a $10 drop (e.g. from $800 to $790/week) can increase click-throughs
- Don’t let it go stale - if your listing has been sitting for too long, take it down and relist it to refresh its position on Trade Me
- Allow pets if you can - around 65% of Kiwi households have pets, but only 13% of rentals are pet-friendly
- Ask for tenant feedback - if someone says, “I liked it but...”, use that info to tweak your offer
- Make viewing easy - schedule open homes and have application links ready on the spot
Final Thoughts: How to Rent Your Property Faster in NZ’s Current Market
The rental market trends in New Zealand are shifting fast. With more competition, landlords need to go beyond just listing a property - they need to market it. A little effort upfront can reduce vacancy time, attract better tenants, and maximise your return.
- Optimise your listings
- Think like a tenant
- Stay proactive
If you’ve been wondering “why won’t my rental property rent?”, this might be your sign to switch things up.