Latest Trade Me figures show the capital has become the most expensive city in the country to rent.
The average weekly price in December was 565-dollars a week - 15 dollars more than in Auckland city.
Head of Trade Me Rentals Aaron Clancy says people have been looking well ahead of time, hoping to get a foot in the door.
But he says those good intentions have just ramped up the market sooner, with listings down and others having the same idea.