[turtle]

Hi all,
My family and I are relocating to Auckland later this year. Just wondering of anyone has some suggestions on where we can look for rental properties.
We are from Melbourne and currently living in a suburb approx 5km from CBD close to Brunswick street (lively, alternative and loads of cafes). I have been doing some research and found the rental properties in Auckland is really expensive!!! I have heard that Ponsonby and Herne Bay and New Market is very lively but they seem really pricey. We are looking for a 3 bedroom home that will allow two lovely well behaved dogs. Our budget is approx $500-600/week. It seems there aren't too many places around those areas that is within that price range, can anyone suggest another area that is close by and has a lively feel that we can afford? And perhaps easy access to those areas mentioned? My partner will be working in CBD (Viaduct).
We will also be looking at enrolling my son into a three YO kindy. Anyone know of a good one? Is it hard to get into? I know in Melbourne we have to put his name down since he was born and even then the pick is slim. There has been a real baby boom!!! Is Auckland in the same situation?
Thanks!

[KerryS]

Brunswick Street is a lovely area (I used to live behind the Jam Factory in South Yarra).
I now live in Ponsonby, and I would say it definitely has the same sort of feel, but on a smaller scale. It is expensive, especially considering the size of properties here compared to other suburbs - it's mostly old turn of the century villas on small sections in narrow streets.
Herne Bay is a little more gentile. A bit older feeling than Ponsonby, which is young and vibrant.
Newmarket is great for shopping, but I wouldn't say that it has any nice residential areas. Parnell is nice, but in the same sort of price range as Ponsonby and Herne Bay.
Grey Lynn - especially down towards the West Lynn shops (bottom end of Richmond Road if you can't find this area named on a map), is nice too, and is slightly more affordable than the other suburbs.
Or look at Kingsland and Mt Eden. Both a little further out but still nice places with good bars, cafes etc. and decent housing.

[turtle]

Thanks Kerry.
Those suburbs sound good. We will definitely look at all of them. We actually don't mind small yard (some is good but it does not have to be huge) we are used to living in a small single terrace house with just a courtyard. Do you think we can find a similar places in Ponsonby for that price range?
What is Freemans Bay and St Marys like? Are they just as expensive as Ponsonby?

[KerryS]

Thanks Kerry.
Those suburbs sound good. We will definitely look at all of them. We actually don't mind small yard (some is good but it does not have to be huge) we are used to living in a small single terrace house with just a courtyard. Do you think we can find a similar places in Ponsonby for that price range?
What is Freemans Bay and St Marys like? Are they just as expensive as Ponsonby?

Freemans Bay and St Marys are around the same price range as Ponsonby. I would say for the price you are looking at you would be hard pushed to find a decent 3 bed place with a garden in those areas. There are properties available in that price bracket, but they are generally at the lower end of the market - a bit tired looking...
Have you been looking on TradeMe for places? I wouldn't recommend committing to a rental until I'd actually seen it though. Some of the photos are very deceptive!

[turtle]

Yes I know what you mean. I have been looking and it is rather depressing.
It's just amazes me that we have a lovely home in Clifton Hill, 5 min walk to Bruunswick street and we will probably only get $450/week for ours and yet in Auckland we can't find an equally nice place to rent!!
Do you know wat Remuera is like? I heard it is like a Toorak but it seems to have larger houses to rent with equally expensive price tag which represent s better value in some ways.

[KerryS]

Yep - Remuera is Auckland's equivalent of Toorak. I find it a bit souless really, no real centre or sense of community. A few stores and a restaurant and cafe, but doesn't really have the vibe of Parnell or Ponsonby.
I have friends with children that live there though and they love it, so it's all horses for courses...
I'd advise coming over and staying somewhere temporarily whilst looking for a rental. You'd get a better sense of the areas and see which tick your boxes. Plus it means you wouldn't end up with what looks like a mansion on the internet but is the size of a shed in reality! When I was renting and looking to move I pestered a couple of agents to ensure they knew my requirements, and then when they had a property I'd be the first one they called to go and view.