Students priced out of digs

Students are having trouble finding affordable accommodation in Auckland because recession-hit families are moving into rental properties.

The residential team leader for Auckland University of Technology's Wellesley Student Apartments, Treena-Jay Tracey, said there has been an increase in the number of students trying to find somewhere to live.

Third-year AUT student Hannah Bartlett said her only option was to live in a hostel, having found it impossible to find a house to rent in Auckland.

"I've looked at more than 30 houses. Sometimes agents said we would be suitable tenants, but at the end of the day they prefer families over students."

Salvation Army community ministries spokesman Gerry Walker said the recession was affecting working and non-working families.

To read the full NZ Herald story click here

Posted: 16 Mar 2009

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