The latest data from the Ministry of Innovation, Business and Employment (MIBE) shows New Zealanders are paying an average of $380 a week for a three bedroom house. But what can you actually get for that price?

Photo: Illustration: 123RF

Late last week we checked out what was available on TradeMe in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

AUCKLAND CITY

Listings on TradeMe priced $350-$400: Three

Only three properties came up when I searched for three bedroom houses in Auckland City under $400.

This three bedroom townhouse in Lynfield, in the city’s south, is an affordable $360 a week. It seems like a great house, but the biggest downfall is the 25 minutes it takes to drive to Queen St.

A bit of quick math reveals you could be spending $90+ on petrol each month driving to and from the city.

According to the listing, the property has gas cooking, a separate laundry, and a couple parking spots in the yard. The bathroom seems small, but the polished timber floors lift its overall look.

The property managers said a house like this would usually be on the market for $400+ per week but since there was some construction going on, the rent had been lowered.

The other two listing under $400 were in Otahuhu and those were still 20 minutes drive out of town.

WELLINGTON CITY

Listings on TradeMe priced $350-$400: 20

Wellington, might not be as expensive as Auckland, but finding a place to live in the city for anything close to the national average is tough.

The only place reasonably close to town in the price range was this unit in Brooklyn which got nearly 500 views in the first 24 hours it was up.

It is described as having “indoor-outdoor flow with double doors from lounge opening on to private deck”. There aren’t any exterior photos of the 3 bedroom unit and the kitchen leaves a lot to be desired but it is only a six-minute drive to town and gets all-day sun.

Photo: Supplied

This house in Newton was so popular it was rented before the weekend viewing. It’s in a prime location, popular with students and yo pros. It’s described as being warm with very large bedrooms and there is even a car park. However, when you look closely you find it’s really two bedroom unit with a large lounge. The property manager says it’s been rented as a three bedroom unit for the past four years.

CHRISTCHURCH CITY

Listings on TradeMe priced $350-$400: 43

Photo: Photos: Ireland Property Management

This Riccarton unit at $380 per week is part of a block of five flats. It’s a popular area spot among Canterbury University students and it’s close to Hagley Park and the mall.

As far as flats go, this seems reasonable (although anyone who has even been flat hunting knows how deceptive photos can be). It has one bathroom, a separate laundry, and a courtyard.

DUNEDIN

Listings on TradeMe priced $350-$400: 35

The average rent price in the central city is about $70 lower than the national average, and you definitely get more for your buck.

Photo: Photos: Click Property Management

This three bedroom house goes at $380 per week, it’s close to the Octagon and comes with all the trimmings. It looks like it’s in good condition and even has a handsome view.

It’s got a garage with internal access, whiteware, an open plan kitchen-living area with a heat pump, two toilets and laundry.

This listing has been up since the beginning of November has just gone over 1000 views – a relatively low hit rate compared with Wellington or Auckland.

READ: Stories from the annual Great Flat Hunt.