Welcome to our Winter Newsletter!

It may be cold outside, but things are definitely hotting up for the resort this winter. In this issue we report on how the demand for quality rentals has put pressure on the rental market this season and the impact that will have on rate rises. Plus we report on how Queenstown is continuing to draw New Zealand and international attention. So grab a cuppa and enjoy this taste of Queenstown in your in-box. Happy reading from Doug and the team at Resort Property Rentals.

HIGH DEMAND FOR RENTALS, RATES TIPPED TO RISE

While the start of the winter season is always a busy time in property rental management, this year we’ve seen a marked increase in the numbers of seasonal staff looking for quality centrally-located rental accommodation. We are seeing furnished 1 and 2 bedroom apartments flying out the door faster than we can advertise them and at a recent orientation evening for new mountain staff we heard first-hand the problems they are facing finding quality accommodation in Queenstown.

With the workforce forecast to keep expanding year on year this demand is only set to increase. Coupled with the recent changes to the depreciation rules announced in the June budget, this means that we’re anticipating one thing for the resort – rent rises! Currently rental rates are at around $250 a week for a modern 1 bedroom furnished flat and $380 a week for a 2 bedroom furnished apartment. This is good news for those looking to increase their rental portfolio in Queestown, especially if rents rise further as we predict. And for existing landlords it could be time to think about reviewing your rates, or if you are looking to expand your property portfolio, it's a good time to talk to us. (Don't forget we offer a free property appraisal service).

QUEENSTOWN ONE OF NZ’S TOP PERFORMING REGIONS FROM 2000 TO 2009

Queenstown was one of the country's top performing economic regions in 2009 and for the 10 years prior, according to a regional report on Otago's 2009 economic profile. Since 1999, the Queenstown Lakes District has enjoyed blistering growth in population, GDP, employment and business numbers and doubled its employment growth. While tourism underpins the economy, other services, such as the film industry, education, sport and recreation are primed for further development, and future growth is predicted to come from places such as China, India and Hong Kong. Source: Otago Daily Times. 
 
TOP TRIP ADVISOR AWARD FOR QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown’s standing as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ has once again been confirmed. The resort has been voted No 1 ‘Outdoor and Adventure Destination in the World’ by Trip Advisor’s 2010 Travellers’ Choice awards as well as being placed an impressive 15th overall in the ‘Top 25 Destinations in the World’. Queenstown trumped other international adventure destinations Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya to claim the top outdoor and adventure spot. Other rankings included being the Europeans fourth favourite Destination in the World, second overall in the Top 10 South Pacific Destinations, and second in the Culture and Sightseeing Destinations in the South Pacific. Well done Queenstown!

HOW HOT IS YOUR PROPERTY?

One of the most important things prospective tenants look for in Queenstown properties is how they will keep warm! Well heated and insulated rental properties are always in demand and tenants will pay a premium for these. With heat pump and insulation subsidies available through the government's Energywise programme http://www.eeca.govt.nz/ it is a great time to invest in proper heating for your property, and plus good heating means less condensation, which has always the major cause of damage to local properties. There are a number of good local heating installation businesses in Queenstown and the market is competitive. We're always happy to provide recommendations too!

PERFECT TIME TO HIT THE SLOPES!

The snow sports season is now in full swing, with town buzzing with ski-ers and snow boarders enjoying the mountain action (and apres-ski!) We've had a cracking July with mainly blue-sky days, and if you haven't made it up the mountain yet, don't worry there is still time. The mountains typically stay open until early October, so make sure you check out the mountain deals from NZ Ski (http://www.nzsi.com/). And if you are looking for where to stay, don't forget we offer a wide selection of quality, warm holiday homes dotted around the Queenstown area. From stunning views, to being close to the action, we have options to suit all sizes and budgets. For more information visit our website.

FINALLY…….JUST FOR FUN

You might think that New Zealand has the most sheep per capita in the world, but while New Zealand only boasts 20 sheep per person, the Faulkland Isles has over 700,000 sheep to 2,000 people which mean they get 350 sheep each!
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