For area manager Cameron Brewer of Onehunga, Auckland's housing market has an apocalyptic feel to it.
"It's like the end of the world is coming and you're going to miss out. You go to auctions and think you have a chance, and houses are selling much higher than expected."
With partner Aleisha Kerr, a flight attendant, they sold a property in Pleasant St, forcing them into the househunters' dog-eat-dog world, an experience which has already made them feel shellshocked.
In January, they bought a two-bedroom townhouse and embarked on a do-up, selling on June 24 for $430,000, making around $100,000 tax-free.
In a fortnight, they will shift to a rental property and are hoping to be there for only a short time before they find the next do-up to live in.