Demand for rental homes is outstripping supply

Latest figures from Trade Me show listings in the year to September are down 16-percent on the previous year, while enquiries are up 11-percent.

The situation is even more stark in Auckland, where listings are down 26-percent and enquiries are up 28-percent.

The national median rent is 7.8 percent higher than this time last year -- with Northland recording a 14.8 percent rise, and Marlborough recording a 14-percent rise.

In the main centres, Auckland rents are up 11.7 percent, Wellington rents are up 6.7 percent, and Canterbury rents are up 10-percent.