"If priced correctly, most properties get applications at the first viewing. [They are being rented] about three to four days after being listed," he said.
"Two to three-bedrooms are in demand, as students or groups are able to split the rent between them."
The Herald visited several open homes in Auckland on Monday.
A four-bedroom flat on Burnley Terrace, which attracted more than 30 people, had a crowd of eager young students lining up to view it.
Another four-bedroom place on Clarence St in Ponsonby also had a steady stream of keen renters.
Surveyor Sam Wells, 22, was among the hopefuls. He and his three friends have looked at about four places in the last fortnight.
"Everything we've been to, it's been the whole open viewing, short sessions - so they're always packed," Mr Wells said. "We haven't heard back from anyone yet because it's all been in the early stages for all of them."
The group have a budget of about $880.
While good references and being "first to the party" was important, standing out against the masses of keen renters was probably the main obstacle, he said.
"I think this one turned up on Trade Me [on Sunday] and just in the last five minutes, there's been 20-odd people through it."
Tenants have already been warned to plan for a rise in rent this year as demand increases.
Barfoot and Thompson director Kiri Barfoot and David Whitburn, immediate past president of the Auckland Investors Association, said Auckland rents rose 4.6 per cent in the year to November 30 - up an average $21 a week across all suburbs and categories. A similar increase was expected this year, they said.
Hot market
Average rent for three-bedroom properties in Auckland last year:
• $839 in central Auckland
• $547 in central suburbs
• $518 in North Shore
• $404 in south Auckland
• $430 in west Auckland
• $476 Auckland average
Source: Barfoot & Thompson
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