Limiting increases in rents in Christchurch would stop residents being hit by profiteering landlords, Labour deputy leader Annette King suggested today.

Auckland faces a rent shock as the Christchurch earthquake diaspora, rising insurance premiums and the loss of a landlords' tax break all affect demand.

Scammers are targeting people desperate to find new homes in Auckland's rental property shortage.

Billboards showing homeowners exactly how they can make big bucks during the Rugby World Cup are attracting some of Auckland's best properties.

Auckland's rental crisis is worsening, with prices rising 7 per cent in a year and desperate tenants going to extreme measures including offering to pay six months' rent in advance.

Flat-hunters and those wanting a flatmate have been conned by scammers who lure their victims into sending money overseas.

Rental prices have risen in many areas of Auckland over the past year with a real estate agency expecting another surge because of a shortage.

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.

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.