A shortage of rental properties is creating difficulties for prospective renters, local real estate agents say.
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But the change is not all bad. After many years of a stagnant market, agents hope the current trend will push tenants to buy.
Diana Corcoran from Diana Corcoran Real Estate said one reason for the spike in demand was due to the White Rock Wind Farm.
“The wind farm has caused a huge tightness in the rent market,” Ms Corcoran said.
“It is also just that time of year. January and over Christmas, we’ve had a lot of turnover with locals and people coming to town.
“A lot of people have given notice to vacate and they wait until after Christmas.
“So it’s not just the wind farm, it is a busy time of the year to rent.
“We’re anticipating it will settle a bit in February.”
Ms Corcoran said she noticed that there were investors looking to buy.
“The general public are picking up on the shortage of rentals and looking for investment properties, which is good for the town and good for real estate too,” she said.
Jodie Muckenschnabel from Ray White agreed the wind farm has had an impact on the market.
“We have one property available at the moment and that’s it … there’s definitely a shortage,” she said.
“I’ve had three or four inquiries from White Rock contractors looking for rental properties and they prefer furnished properties, which are hard to find.
“This time of the year is generally a busy time but it’s much busier than previous years.”
Glen Innes resident Renee Usher and her family are currently seeking a rental property to accommodate their needs, which includes pets, but it has been a struggle.
“We can’t find anything,” Ms Usher said.
“In the past I’ve been put straight into a house straight away and now when we’ve gone looking there’s nothing available.
“We are looking to buy in the future … especially if we can’t find a rental.”