Wairarapa rents still lower than average

The median asking rent in Wairarapa was $280 a week, according to Trade Me's latest rental figures. PHOTO/FILE

Average rents in Wairarapa were up $10 in January compared to the same month last year.

The median asking rent in Wairarapa was $280 a week, according to Trade Me's latest rental figures -- up on $270 in January 2015 and $248 the previous January.

Harcourts managing director Prue Hamill said the $10 increase over 12 months was reasonable in light of the positive market place.

Quite a few people were looking for rentals and the $280 median price was good value, she said.

She thought there would be another slight increase in rents over the next year.

Property Brokers regional manager Guy Mordaunt said inquiries were solid for rentals in Carterton and there was a lack of houses in the area.

He said Greytown would also attract a lot more renters if more properties were available.

Mr Mordaunt said rents didn't tend to get too high in Wairarapa, because those who could pay high rents could usually afford to buy their own home. He said rents were increasing in line with inflation and he expected year-on-year rent rises to remain consistent.

Trade Me property head Nigel Jeffries said the national median asking rent went from $420 to $435 between December and January.

This was in stark contrast to the rest of 2015, which showed very slow growth. Mr Jeffries said the January rent correction occurred each year, as many landlords adjusted their rents at the beginning of the year.

Rents in Auckland were up $5 a week to $500.

Excluding Auckland, the typical median asking rent around the country jumped $15 a week from $370 in December, to $385 in January.