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Monday 26th May 2025

If you’re a landlord waiting for the market to lift rents - you’re already behind.

If you’re a landlord waiting for the market to lift rents - you’re already behind.
LATEST DATA CONFIRMS - Rent has stayed flat for the fifth quarter in a row. But that doesn’t mean you need to fall in line...

If you’re a landlord waiting for the market to lift rents -  you’re already behind. The national median rent has now stalled for 5 straight quarters.

According to Ilse Wolfe, and anecdotally across the board, most landlords are now lowering rents just to attract tenants.

Why? Ilse from Wolfe property coaching  says it is because most landlords are lazy. They’re not adding value. They’re not adapting. She believes landlords should be ones that does take action.

Here are 10 proven ways Ilse’s clients with Propertyscouts Whangarei are staying ahead - and sometimes even increasing rent even in this market:

1. Add Another Bedroom

  • This is the foundation of our Cashflow Hacking™ framework.

  • It won’t work for every property -  but it's what we teach our clients to find when they buy
  • Go from 3 to 4 beds and unlock hundreds more $ per week.

2. Renovate to Modernise

  • Use this time to make it look like a new build, and it will rent like one.
  • New paint, bathrooms, kitchens, lighting, fixtures and modern layouts can drive serious uplift.

3. Make Homes More Shareable

  • Add kitchenettes.
  • Convert garages to living spaces
  • Support shared living -  if the layout supports it.

4. Support Subletting (With Checks)

  • Let tenants bring in flatmates or boarders -  with vetting and updated insurance.

5. Smarter Marketing

  •  If your ad looks like every other rental, expect the same results
  • Use professional photos. Clear, benefit-driven copy. Sell the value, not just the rent.

6. Offer Extras

  • Include WiFi, power, or gardening.
  • It justifies higher rent and makes your property stand out.

7. Say Yes to Pets (With a Plan)

  • Pet-friendly homes fill faster.
  • Use clauses, collect a bond, and manage the risk proactively.

8. Optimise Your Timing

  • Align lease terms so you can re-tenant during best season to get highest rents (Feb–March).
  • A small shift in timing = faster tenanting and stronger rent.

9. Build Relationships

  • Make them.
  • Hospitals. Student housing. Civil contractors.
  • Solve real problems for people who need rooms -  and secure consistent tenants.

10. Offer Furnished

  • Unlocks an entirely new rental tier.
  • Especially valuable in CBDs, uni zones, or project towns.
  • Just make it durable and practical.

 

Bottom line?

The best investors aren’t waiting. They’re taking control. They’re adapting.

They’re creating better returns.

 

If you want your next rental to perform better.

Book a 15 minute discovery call with Didi from Propertyscouts in how you can make the most of your rental investment

BOOK HERE

 

 

Article credits: Ilse Wolfe - 10 Rental Hacks - Increase Your Rent in a Flat Market

Property Owners

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