Just 6 per cent of investors think shares offer the best rate of return, while rental property is still a popular investment, according to a survey by ASB.

Demand for rental property in Auckland is at crisis point, with some houses now attracting as many as 200 would-be tenants.

The Kiwi dream of owning a home is long gone for many, and now the chances of a decent rental are fading.

Property values continued their 'gradual decline' during October, and are now 5.5 per cent below the market peak of late 2007. QV's latest property value index shows values have been falling since March.

Dozens of homeowners are asking more than $20k a week in rent for the RWC with at least one website threatening to remove some listings.

The Government hopes it will be able to give thousands of Canterbury property owners in the worst earthquake-hit areas some idea of what the future holds by the middle of next week.

Rises and falls in house prices don't affect everyone, all the time, says registered valuer Glenda Whitehead.