5 Ways to Find Accommodation in Central Otago. A guide to surviving the housing crisis.
Katerina Pavlyuchkova.
IntroductionIf you're caught up in the housing crisis, know that you're not alone in this struggle —I've been in your shoes. It's incredibly disheartening and exhausting to deal with the stress of finding an accommodation and keeping on with our already busy lives. The current housing crisis it's a widespread societal issue affecting countless individuals, so please, don't think that you are doing something wrong or that it is your fault to be in this position, because it's not!
To help ease the burden of finding a rental in Central Otago, I've compiled a list of tips aimed at making your search for a new home a bit more manageable.
1. Utilize Online Resources
Rental websites
When it comes to finding a place to live in Central Otago, the internet can be your best friend. Start by scouring rental websites and apps like Trade Me Property and www.realestate.co.nz for Central Otago rentals. These platforms often have listings for both short-term and long-term rentals, giving you a variety of options to explore.
Social Media
Another great resource is social media. Join local Facebook groups and forums dedicated to housing, rentals, and accommodation in your preferred area. Many landlords and property managers are choosing to post listings directly to these groups, giving you a leg up on the competition. All of the rooms that I have rented in the past, I have found them in one of these groups.
Sometimes, it's beneficial to create a brief post introducing yourself and/or your family, along with your accommodation needs. Facebook allows you to share this post across multiple groups, saving you the effort of crafting individual messages for each group. It's also wise to save a copy of your post for future use in case you discover new groups where it may be relevant. This approach can be quite advantageous, as someone might read your post and offer a solution directly. However, it's important to BE PREPARED FOR THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE that comes with this strategy. While some people may provide helpful comments, others may be rude or discouraging.
The air is dense, don't let it get to you!
List of some Facebook groups that will help you find accommodation in Central Otago:
Queenstown - New Zealand - Houses to Rent
Flatmate/Rent/Board Queenstown
For rent in Queenstown, New Zealand
You can also check out the government page dedicated to Housing on the Work and Income website.2. AVOID SCAMMERS
PLEASE REMAIN VIGILANT for scammers and always ask for a signed contract before proceeding with any transaction. Many people can take advantage of the crisis and utilize your situation to get some money out of you. It's sad but true! Avoid paying any bond until both parties have signed the agreement.
Avoid Platforms like Rentola
In a troubling housing crisis marked by a scarcity of rentals, Rentola preys on tenants, exploiting their need for housing to turn a profit. They charge subscription fees without delivering genuine value in return. If you want to know more, I have compiled a list of 5 reasons not to use rentola.
3. Tap into Local Networks
Don't underestimate the power of your personal network when it comes to finding accommodation. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who may have connections in the area. You never know who might know someone with a spare room or a rental property coming available soon.
Local real estate agents can also be a valuable resource. Give them a call or drop by their office to inquire about any upcoming listings or off-market opportunities. They often have insider knowledge about properties before they hit the market, giving you a head start on your search for a rental in Central Otago.
The Queenstown Housing Initiative, established last year, provided vital resources to many individuals during the cold winter months. Keep watch for similar initiatives in your local area.
Private housing Initiatives.
There are also some other private housing initiatives like the Queenstown Lake Community Housing Trust. At the moment their waitlist is over 1000 applications, but if you have the time and maybe you are aiming for a long term search, it might be worth it to stop by and have a chat with them.
Community Houses.
Often, we find ourselves grappling with multiple challenges simultaneously. It's important not to overlook the resources provided by local social services in your area. While they may not offer direct housing assistance, establishing a connection with them can lead to valuable relationships and additional support.
A personal example highlights this: A close friend of mine faced a difficult situation with her daughter, urgently needing to secure a new living arrangement. Seeking advice at a nearby Community House, she was fortunate to encounter an exceptional social worker who promptly helped her find a unit where she and her daughter could live comfortably.
Here is a list of some of the Community Houses around Central Otago.
Cromwell Community House (Cromwell)
Community Networks. Link Upper Clutha (Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea, Luggate)
Whakatipu Community Hub (Queenstown)
Happiness House (Queenstown)
Alexandra Community Advise Network (Alexandra)
4. Consider Alternative Housing Options
In a housing crisis, it helps to think outside the box. Consider alternative housing options like short-term rentals, or house sitting arrangements. These temporary solutions can buy you some time while you continue your search for more permanent accommodation.
5. Be Fast
When it comes to finding accommodation in Central Otago, it pays to be proactive and flexible. Act quickly when opportunities arise, as good rentals around Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell tend to get snapped up fast. If you see something that fits your requirements, apply right away, active notifications for new rentals in your phone so you can be on top of it.
Life can get incredibly hectic, but if you're keen on a property, try your best to carve out time to see it as soon as possible. When I was looking for a new home, my son was only 1 year old and still on a nap schedule, etc. So when I got an appointment to view a house, I tried to match it with his times. I vividly recall attending numerous rental viewings where I found myself among at least twenty other hopeful tenants, which was quite frustrating. However, one day, I received a notification on my phone about a new listing. I applied right away, and the agent promptly scheduled an appointment. I said yes to the proposed time and date, and within less than five days, I had secured a new home after nearly a year of searching.
Conclusion
It's essential to recognize that the housing crisis is not an individual failing but a symptom of the neoliberal societies we live in. If you find yourself in need of accommodation it's crucial to understand that this crisis is not your fault. Instead, it's an opportunity to engage in critical political discourse and advocate for systemic change.
I hope you find this list helpful and that will encourage you to keep informing about the housing crisis in Central Otago and its causes.
Remember, you're not alone in this – we're all in it together, and together, we'll find our way through.
