The rental market this summer has been much like the weather - sometimes hot and sometimes cool. Demand remains constant , though average time to find good tenants is around 4 weeks. It is important that properties are advertised well ahead of when they will be available to minimise vacancy time.

At the start of summer we rented a number of high end (over $1,000 per week) properties on long term agreements.

While a number of new homes have become available, particularly in the Hawea sub-division of Longview, supply and demand are in step and it remains a popular location to rent in with its family friendly neighbourhood and awesome children’s playground.

Closer to Wanaka, new stages of Northlake continue to open. There are also new opportunities for investors close to the medical centre, namely Alpine Meadows and Orchard Park coming on stream.

Tenants seeking rentals range from families relocating from northern cities, to locals who are building, to professional couples not yet ready to step onto the property ladder. Thorough reference and background checking is a must to manage risk when selecting tenants.