Winter time is here and along with the cold we find there is a reluctance for tenants to be active in pursuing rental properties.

Hence there is a reduction in the demand and the time required to rent a property increases. We note that the level of available properties is at pre-earthquake levels.

Landlords will have to adjust their expectations to meet the market and realise there may be a longer period before re-tenanting occurs.

It also emphasises the importance of having a home that appeals with good heating and insulation.

We also advise landlords to leave the power on in vacant homes to allow the heatpump to be left on at a low setting to take the chill off the temperature and hence show the property to its advantage.