Owning a home. It’s the Kiwi dream - right? Well, not for everyone! For many, homeownership isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. For some, buying a house is not an option financially, and renting can get them in the desired neighbourhood which would otherwise be too pricey. Others simply don’t want the responsibility!
There are plenty of benefits to long-term renting - renters benefit from greater flexibility, fewer property costs and, of course, avoiding a mortgage. Renting gives you the flexibility to live the lifestyle you want - more time for travel, working on your side project or whatever hobbies you have.
At the end of the day, it’s important to find a space that you can settle into and call home. But finding the right long-term rental can be time-consuming, and the move itself can be stressful.
To help you spend less time searching and more time surfing (or whatever it is you’re into), we’ve pulled together this quick guide to help you find the right long-term rental.
When you’re looking to make a rental your long-term home, think about what’s important to you in a space and location. Otherwise, you could end up moving (again).
Ask yourself the following questions:
Once you’ve found good properties, don’t lose them! Save your favourite properties. Start growing your shortlist here.
This isn’t your first rodeo - you understand how the rental world works, but if you’ve been out of the game for a while, you may want a refresher on the viewing and application processes.
Make sure you have your paperwork organised in a way that makes life easier for the property manager and increases your chances of a successful application.
You should prepare and update the following before heading to a viewing:
You’ll also be asked for identification and other forms of legal documentation, including a police check and/or a credit check. These usually involve some paperwork which the property manager will give you further details on.
Don’t forget to double-check the amount of notice you are required to give on your current rental property. If you’re in a fixed-term tenancy, this is especially important.
Once you’ve found properties you love, it’s time to head to viewings.
Treat viewings as you would a job interview. It’s your time to shine and make a good impression with the property manager. Shake hands, introduce yourself, make conversation and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Property managers appreciate a tenant who is aware and responsible enough to consider the health of the home, so here’s a handy checklist that will make you look like a pro.
This is also your chance to inspect the property and get a feel for what it would be like to live there.
Here are a few details to check:
As this move could be a long term one, it’s a good idea to check out the neighbourhood too. Drive by at different times of the day to see the ‘neighbours-to-be’ and observe the comings and goings in the street.
Now you’re ready to find your next long-term rental. Check out realestate.co.nz for thousands of listings all around New Zealand. Easily filter and save your searches to efficiently manage your shortlist and so you don’t miss out on any great rentals.