Renting in Dunedin

Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s most affordable cities to rent in, with room rents among the lowest of any main NZ city. The University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic give Dunedin a large and active student population, making it a well-established flatting city with plenty of shared housing options.

Popular flatting suburbs

North Dunedin (including Castle Street and Leith Street) is the heartland of student flatting, walking distance from the Otago campus. St Kilda and South Dunedin offer more affordable options slightly further from the city centre. Roslyn and Maori Hill appeal to professionals and families who prefer quieter, elevated suburbs with views. The Dunedin CBD has a growing number of apartment options following recent development.

Getting around

Otago Regional Council buses connect the suburbs to the CBD and the university campus. Dunedin is a compact city and many student flats are within walking or cycling distance of lectures. Driving is straightforward, with SH1 and SH87 providing access to the wider Otago region; Queenstown is roughly three hours away.

What to expect

Dunedin is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian heritage housing, beautiful to look at but sometimes cold and draughty. Check for insulation and adequate heating (a legal requirement under the Healthy Homes Standards) before committing. The rental market is highly seasonal, with strong demand from February to March when university starts. Securing a flat early in January gives you the best selection.