Renting in Auckland? 2025’s giving you more room to move

If you’re renting in Auckland, you’ve probably noticed the market is shifting. More listings are popping up, it’s taking longer for some properties to be snapped up, and rents aren’t climbing quite as fast as they were a year ago. After a long stretch of tight supply and rising costs, the balance is beginning to shift - and for renters, that could mean more choice and a bit more breathing room.

Recent figures show the average weekly rent in Auckland has risen, but at a slower pace. At the same time, more rental homes are coming onto the market, and listings are taking longer to fill. In February 2025, the average listing sat online for 22 days - nearly a third longer than the year before. That doesn’t mean bargains are everywhere, but it does suggest tenants have a little more time to find the right fit.

So where are the best places to look right now?

A few suburbs are standing out for offering decent value, better access to jobs or transport, and a good mix of rental options.

Papakura is one. It’s further out, but ongoing upgrades to the motorway and train line mean getting into the city is becoming easier. Rents here tend to sit below the Auckland average, and there’s a steady stream of new housing coming through, which can mean more choice for tenants.

Avondale, in West Auckland, is another one to watch. It’s going through a full-scale revamp, with new homes, improved public spaces and better transport links. That’s good news for renters wanting to stay within reach of the CBD without paying inner-city prices.

If being more central matters, Mount Wellington strikes a good balance. It’s got quick motorway access, public transport options and a mix of older and newer homes. For renters, that can mean more options in terms of layout, price and style - from classic 1960s brick-and-tile to newer townhouses.

And in East Auckland, East Tāmaki is quietly becoming more popular. It’s close to big employment hubs, has relatively affordable rents and more development is on the way. It’s especially handy for renters working nearby, and avoids the long commute from other areas.

Across the board, lifestyle factors are also influencing the market. Suburbs with good schools, green spaces or easy beach access are still in demand - and the shift to remote and hybrid work has made more people open to living further out, especially if it means extra space or better value.

Bottom line? The rental market isn’t what it was a year ago. For those looking to move, upgrade or even just explore options, 2025 is shaping up to be a good time to start the search.