KEY POINTS:
House sitting is becoming a thriving part of the property sector as mortgage rates, rents and domestic costs continue to rise.
Once an ad hoc, temporary arrangement between family or neighbours, house sitting is now a business, with at least two agencies matching sitters with homeowners.
"It's really popular," said Antony Myers, owner of Auckland company Happy House Sitters. "It's difficult to save a deposit and house sitting gives them an opportunity to save money. It's a huge benefit."
Former policeman Glenn Marvin, owner of The Housesitting Company, which has more than 250 prospective sitters, expects business to double this year. Most were young couples saving for a house who would otherwise spend $300-$500 a week on rent.
"If you can sit somewhere rent-free, in a couple of years you will have enough for a good deposit."
Costs are small for both parties.
The Housesitting Company carries out stringent checks on prospective sitters before charging them $50 to join its database. Homeowners pay $125-$300 a month once a sitter is found.
Its competitor charges sitters $50-$150 for a year-long listing but does not charge homeowners.
Marvin said house sitting was also popular with retired or semi-retired people, those wanting to experience life in different parts of a city or country and "people going through changes in life".
He and Myers both had regulars who returned for sits of between a few days and 12 months. Some had been going from one position to another for years.
Being an animal-lover is an advantage because many jobs involve babysitting pets. "For homeowners it's less expensive than a kennel or a cattery," said Marvin. "Pets are staying in their own home so it's less stress for the animals."
But that's not always the case for the sitters. Retiree Barbara Campbell, who has been house sitting off and on for a decade, said a tragedy with someone's pet was her worst fear, although her only mishap so far had been a flooded kitchen.
"I love looking after people's animals. With the repeat jobs, where I go back over and over again, I get to know the owners and the animals equally well."
Student teacher Kathryn Parkin, a veteran house sitter at age 22, recalled one occasion when a much-loved and elderly family cat died . "That was horrible, but the owners were lovely about it. I think they were just glad there was someone there."
Both women enjoyed regular changes of scenery and the chance to save money.
Campbell began house sitting when she couldn't afford the mortgage on her home. She rented it out and went house sitting instead.
"I've stayed in some beautiful houses, with indoor swimming pools and valuable paintings. The flash ones are in Remuera and Kohimarama. You've got to be really security conscious and careful."
Being retired meant she could take on jobs at short notice.
"I can just drop everything, no problem. It doesn't suit everyone."
HOUSE SITTING FACTS
* Costs between $50 and $150 a year for prospective house sitters to list with a company.
* Sits can be for any length of time -- from a few days to 12 months.
* House sitters usually live for nothing, although homeowners may sometimes negotiate deals between themselves and their sitter to cover expenses. Sitters can save thousands of dollars a year in rent.
* Sitters need to be flexible, trustworthy and animal friendly as many positions involve looking after pets as well as houses.
* Some companies charge homeowners between $125 and $300 per month. Others charge nothing.
* Some companies vet prospective sitters carefully, including police checks, while others do not screen people at all.
