Renting proprty aound Hastings/Napier

abourmike

Should hopefully be arriving in New Zealand in July, so finding somewhere to rent has is now becoming a priority.
I will be working in Hastings, so we are looking at this area for renting a house, however finding rental property on the internet seems to be difficult.
Does anyone know the best way to tackle this problem? Do you know of any web sites which deal with rental properties in this area?
Have you any advice drawn from your own experiences on this matter?

Any help would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

Graham Barnes · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:44 pm Post subject:

Contact some estate agencies directly over the 'phone?? I'd imagine that the largest agencies are likely to have both sales and rental desks.
This might be pushing it a bit, but maybe the 'Napier Times' or equivalent will have something on a website (if they have one).
If you have a job offer, perhaps your future employer could put you in touch with rental agencies.

martwend · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:49 pm Post subject:

Hi,

All the local estate agents have someone who deals specifically with rental properties. There are a few rental properties about but they are not great and tend to be expensive but you can get lucky. If you go down the rental route, you will need personal references and you should arrange these before you leave the UK and bring them with you as well as bank statements unless you know people out here already.

We had decided to rent for a few months when we arrived but quickly decided to buy after a week or so of looking at the market in different areas. Hastings is generally cheaper than Napier although the suburb of Havelock North is very nice and also expensive.

When we arrived we were lucky to get into a rental unit on the edge of Napier. It had 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, loo and living/dining/kitchen. It cost $100 a night but you may be able to negotiate a discount for a longer stay. We were there for nearly 6 weeks while our house purchase went through. I looked a one rental house which the estate agent reckoned was pretty good and we preferred to stay in the rental unit given the choice!

I can put you in touch with the couple who have the rental units if you send me a pm. Kiwis have a tradition of home ownership and that is partly why there is a shortage of rental houses. Also, the rentals that are available are generally for long rentals rather than short term. Anyway, the estate agents are your first port of call and you could possibly try placing an ad in the local paper giving your requirements as some people avoid estate agents because of the commission.

Good luck!

Wendy