Rent your home for $1000 a night

By Russell Blackstock

Homeowners are set to cash in on the Lions rugby tour.

A growing number of Kiwis are listing their houses and apartments for rent with online leasing agencies, and some are charging top dollar to visiting fans.

Some Auckland homes, especially near Eden Park, are being offered for more than $1000 a night during the 10-match tour.

Homes in Wellington are being advertised for similar daily rates.

Dozens of properties are already listed for rent to rugby supporters in June and July on the Airbnb network via Kiwi property management firm Idle.

One two-bedroom pad in Mt Eden costing $1000 a night is billed as a “Stunning townhouse for The Lions!”

“Our two level townhouse is just the ticket,” it says on the Airbnb ad.

“No need to Uber to the big game, it’s 5 minutes walk!”

Another four-bedroom house close to Wellington’s CBD — described as “a 3km walk to the stadium for the Lions Tour matches” — is $1230 a night.

Insurance broker Scott Haak is about to list his three-bedroom home in Campbells Bay on Auckland’s North Shore for rent during the tour. He could pull in up to $1000 a night during the rugby.

“I’ll probably go to the family bach in the Coromandel and watch the games on television while making some extra cash,” he said.

“I have another friend in Milford who is thinking of doing the same. It’s a no-brainer.”

Idle founder Jessica Walker said demand for houses to rent in Auckland and Wellington during the Lions tour was high.

“Some homeowners can ask for triple what the cost of a usual nightly rental would be because there is just not enough supply to meet demand,” she said.

“Renting a private house is still good value, especially if multiple people are staying.”

However there is a potential for things to go wrong.

Will Alexander, business development manager for Barfoot & Thompson’s property management division, warned there could be some serious implications for owners, including potential damage to property.

“I would advise anyone thinking of doing it to seek good professional advice beforehand and also speak to their insurance company.”