Points to ponder for property investors

If the ‘student flat’ conjures images of burning couches and general lawlessness, think again. 
Students are a big part of the renting population in Hamilton, and at Lodge City Rentals, we love working with them.
With our main local tertiary institutes going from strength to strength, the demand for student accommodation isn’t going to subside. 
If you’re considering catering to the student market as a landlord, here’s a few of our top tips:

• Consider furnishings.  Fully kitting out a house can be a huge undertaking for young students, especially those coming from overseas.  Properties that are close to campus, fully or partly furnished are always in high demand.   With some basic, modern furnishings, you can leap to the top of the popularity pile and ensure you shore up excellent tenants.
• Look at locations beyond the obvious and have a careful look at bus routes, especially the Orbiter.  Many students will consider properties further from campus if they know they’ll be well served by public transport.
• Be clear and detailed about rules and expectations, especially when it comes to paying rent on time, repairs and parties.  A set of house rules is often helpful – not to mention tenancy agreements that leave no stone unturned.
• Don't cut corners when it comes to creating a healthy home and you’ll be surprised how students will hold up their end of the bargain with day-to-day cleanliness and care.
• Get to grips with the rhythm of the academic year so you can anticipate when students are likely to move in and out and minimise any downtime between tenancies and plan for any maintenance.

We might be late to International Women’s Day but we didn’t want the opportunity to pass us by completely.

Women make up 75% of our team here at Lodge Rentals. In the sales team too, we skew female.   We’re proud to be an industry which plays to the strengths of women and one where there aren’t the same built-in barriers that are common in many 9-5 workplaces.

We’re also proud to play a small role in supporting a growing number of women in property investment, in turn, building their financial security and independence.

I never cease to be impressed by the portfolios some of our young female investors have amassed, and how they enhance and add value to these properties along the way and create ideal conditions for tenants. 

We spotted the diggers at work at Te Awa Lakes last week, getting the foundations ready for the first GJ Gardener homes which will be ready in early 2026.  We also noticed more roads, streetlights and a whole new perspective of the Waikato River now several trees have been felled.

We’re lucky to get regular updates about progress at Te Awa Lakes from our very own Megan Smith who has been selected as the exclusive marketing and sales agent. 

Megan’s team has had a busy February, with over 1000 enquiries about the terraced houses and apartments available in Stage 1 after sales went live.  If you’re keen to find out how to secure a slice of this waterside paradise, reach out to Megan today. 

 At Lodge Rentals we know the Hamilton market inside and out and manage over 4050 properties.  We know what tenants are looking for and how the most astute investors are making it work.   We share helpful information regularly with our Investors Club network in lots of ways and we’d love to have you along for the ride.