Southland Rentals Rise While Other Regions Fall

Rental prices across most of New Zealand have fallen, offering some welcome relief for tenants. According to new data from realestate.co.nz, the national average asking rent in June 2025 was $636—down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024.

Wellington renters benefited the most from the price drop, with average weekly rents falling 10.9%, from $701 last year to $625 this June. Hawke’s Bay also saw a notable decrease, with prices dropping 6.6% to $632 per week.

While most regions saw easing prices, several southern areas continued to defy the trend. The West Coast recorded a 9.1% year-on-year increase, with rents rising from $396 to $433. Otago followed closely, with prices up 8% to $616. Southland also saw its average rent climb to $489, a 6.1% rise and its highest on record.

New listings are also on the rise, giving renters more options in a market that’s now required to meet Healthy Homes standards. Across the country, 6,120 new rental listings were recorded in June, marking a 15.3% increase from the same month in 2024.

Gisborne led the surge with a 96% increase in listings, followed by Hawke’s Bay at 84.9% and Wellington at 82.2%. In Wellington, listings jumped from 276 in June 2024 to 503 this year. Waikato also saw a significant rise, with listings increasing by 35.1% to 647 properties.

The lift in supply is likely to help stabilise prices, especially in regions where rents have remained high. With more choice and better housing standards, tenants may find themselves in a stronger position as the market moves through winter and into spring.