PHOTO: SIMON MAUDE/FAIRFAX NZ  – In Auckland there are about 4700 entire properties listed for short-term rental on Airbnb and a further 4400 private rooms for rent, the total number of listings increased by 93 per cent in the past year.

With reports of long queues at flat viewings and agents being flooded with queries as soon as a listing goes up, we asked four people at different stages in life to share their story of trying to find a home.

Competition for houses is so fierce, some flat-hunters are offering sweaty wads of cash to stand out from the horde searching, viewing and applying for properties.

It’s a common story floating around roadside queues outside empty Auckland flats – just ask Danny.

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