[happymartins]

Hi, can anyone help. We're trying to find a rental in Devonport. We've decided to move closer to the city to cut down the commute time. However we are having a hell of a time finding anything. My wife has been pestering all the agents but as soon as she tells them with have a two year old child they become much more unhelpful. Apparrantly it is illegal to not rent somewhere because the tenants have kids but the agents seem to ignore this.

We will keep plugging away but if anyone knows of anything please PM me. Anything with 2 bedrooms or more would be considered.

Since I started work I have seen my daughter for about 20 minutes a day and a move to Devonport would mean I could just jump on the ferry and be home with the family much quicker.

[sizzlingbadger]

Have you tried Trademe ?

Not sure who else you could try. It is illegal to discriminate against you because of your daughter.

[neilw71]

PM Milliemoo - they went through a search a few months ago - and did not find anything easily without kids!

Neil

[Tia Maria]

Happymartins

I'm sure you've checked out most of these places, but just in case you haven't:

Local Agents:

www.chrisrogers.co.nz
www.devonportrealestate.co.nz
www.harcourts.co.nz

Gulf Island Real Estate (446 6266) - who use to be Ray Whites

Other Sources - Internet:

www.premium.co.nz
www.realestate.co.nz
www.open2view.com
www.allrealestate.co.nz
www.trademe.co.nz

Other Sources - Local:

North Shore Times

The Flagstaff
(You can pick up a copy from the Devonport information centre)

The Barber Shop Window - 27 Victoria Rd
(Lots of people advertise here and it changes on a regular basis)

Devonport Visitor Centre - 3 Victoria Rd
(they have details of rentals but you might also pick up a long term holiday let)

These are the ones I can think of off the top of my head, like neilw71 said PM Milliemoo as she has recent experience of searching for a rental in Devonport.

I found it really difficult when I was looking they rarely phone back and they don't try hard because they simply don't have to as so many people want to rent in Devonport. I phoned every day and went into see them on a regular basis.

Don't discount the idea of a long term 'holiday let', they often offer discounted prices for those wanting to book on a longer basis and in the winter months there is even more room for negotiation.

I will PM you.

Cheers

Tia

[Milliemoo]

Searching for rentals *shudders* :exit

I'm sorry to say that a lot of it is down to luck, but you can increase your chances greatly if if you check all the great links Tia has posted on a daily basis. Something to bare in mind though is that not all rentals are advertised on the internet by the agents. They only list the ones that they manage, so to get the full list you need to either pick up a list in person or try and get them to fax it to you. I'd be happy to give you a hand and pick up the lists to see what's available. You've got to be really quick though. I was checking Tradme approximately 50 times a day (yes really!) and it was by luck that I saw a flat (was really looking for a house) listed at 9.20am, I phoned at 9.25am and it was only because I was the first one to call and get first dibs on the place that we manged to get it. Our landlady was bombarded with calls all day and could have let the place about 20 times over.

On the plus side, there's definately more on the market now then what there was just before Christmas ( I know, crap time to look for a rental) so keep your fingers crossed.

Try and be flexible. Don't dismiss apartments because they have some great advantages, mainly that they are generally better quailty and have better fixtures and fittings compared to older properties.

I don't know what your budget is, but it needs to be minimum $550pw. That's what we're paying for out 2 bed apartment and TBH we would have paid $600! You might find cheaper places but you'll have to make a big compromise on standards.

You will find something though :nice1 and Devonport is such a great place to live, it's well worth the stress of searching for a rental.

Please shout if I can be of any help.

Milliemoo

[happymartins]

Hi, this is Kate (Dave's wife!) first time on forum - generally got hands full with little one! Thanks for all the suggestions - I have been doing as suggested , we have looked at and said we'd love to rent a 2 bed unit - landlords seemed really nice but had others looking - again got the impression that would prefer someone without child - but fingers crossed! i shall just have to keep persevering - luckily Josie loves playground and cafes there so can go in most days - will be worth it as it felt 'like home' as from a small touristy seaside town on iow.

[Milliemoo]

Hi there,

If you're looking for a unit you should be able to get something under $500. They do tend to be very small though, even if they do have 2 bedrooms.

I work in a local shop in Devonport so I'll ask around for you :nice1

Milliemoo

[happymartins]

thanks milliemoo, we are in a huge 4 bed at moment so will be a come down! - it's cheaper up north! however we lived in a tiny cottage in uk so used to small spaces, if dave does well in his job we should be able to upgrade in future. kate x

[happymartins]

Yipee - after much deliberation the landlord has decided to rent 2 bed unit to us - we should be moving in around 9th June, can't wait. thanks for all your help and info.

[Milliemoo]

Yay Great News :D
I'm sure I'll see you around town. PM if you'd like to meet up for a coffee:nice1

Milliemoo

[Tia Maria]

I bet that's a relief!

Let me know if you want any kiddy related information.

Hey Dave, you can join the Captain's Club now if you are going to get the ferry - discounted travel and beer! :nice1

www.fullers.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/123

Cheers

Tia

[b&k]

We're also thinking of renting in Devonport when we arrive in NZ. I know the area well having stayed there for several weeks on previous trips but I'm unaware of how the rental market works. I'd appreciate input from those of you who have already been through it to help me understand what's involved.

- Are most flats available furnished or unfurnished?
- How much are the estate agents' fees?
- What's included in the rent?
- What other monthly costs are there to consider and roughly how much are these?
- Are there any pitfalls we should be looking out for?

Thanks, B&K

[Milliemoo]

Hi B&K :D


- Are most flats available furnished or unfurnished?


I'd say you get a good mix in Devonport, but expect most to be unfurnished. I think one of the reasons you see quite a few furnished properties is because a lot of people seem to rent out the home, even for just a few weeks, if they go travelling or whatever.


- How much are the estate agents' fees?


2 weeks rent or nothing if you go via a private ad eg: Trade Me


- What's included in the rent?


It's also best to confirm because it does differ from landlord to landlord, but generally you should expect rates, buildings insurance and water to be included in the rent.


- What other monthly costs are there to consider and roughly how much are these?

Apart from your energy bills (which seem to vary *greatly* depending on who's opinion you ask) you'll need contents insurance. Also, something to consider if you reant an apartment is they might have services as standard eg: Sky that you don't have any choice to opt out of, so that might be extra. I wouldn't expect to pay body corp fees though.


- Are there any pitfalls we should be looking out for?


DAMP! Oh, if you're looking on the internet at properties, be sure to check the address on a map. Lots of properties advertised as 'Devonport' are nothing of the sort. I saw one that was listed as Devonport and it was Bayswater Point!

Give me a shout if you want any help with anything :nice1

Cath x

[Milliemoo]

* where's the 'edit' button * :confused:

Forgot to add.....you'll need 2 weeks rent as a bond :nice1

Milliemoo

[Milliemoo]

Found the edit button :o but there's not one on my original post :confused:

Milliemoo

[Tia Maria]

Just a quick note to say that Devonport Realty has now closed and merged with Barfoot & Thompson.

I hope they put a cool shop in its place!

Cheers

Tia

[Milliemoo]

I hope they put a cool shop in its place!

Cheers

Tia


I'm negociating the lease just now, so not long to wait for NZ's first Anne Summers boutique :D

Milliemoo