A property manager says the numbers of students looking for flats is lower than previous years

With student-hall fees topping 20-thousand dollars a year and living costs rising - moving out of home is becoming increasingly unaffordable for young adults.

Property Management New Zealand Director, Neil O'Connor says there are a number of benefits of living in shared properties.

He says it gives them their personal space, independence and the skills to stand on their own two feet whilst being at university.