Who This Residence Suits (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Empire Apartments sits at 280 New Zealand dollars per week for the cheapest room, exactly matching the lowest weekly rent currently listed for student housing in Auckland. The property is a straightforward, no‑frills option for students who prioritise proximity to the city’s main university campuses, all‑inclusive bills and a short commute over modern finishes or spacious bathrooms. It is less suitable for anyone who needs a fast deposit refund, cannot handle daily uphill walks or expects a private ensuite in the base price.
Price Positioning vs. the Auckland Market
The city’s starting price for student accommodation is 280 NZD/week — Empire Apartments begins at that same figure. That indicates a budget‑conscious offering, but the range extends up to 840 NZD/week depending on the room type. The deposit is 470 NZD. All stated prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before booking.
What makes the pricing structure notable: most utility costs (electricity, water, internet) are included in the rent. One resident noted this positively. However, laundry is not included — the same resident reported that separate laundry charges apply. The property also requires a minimum lease of 18 weeks, which suits semester‑length stays but may be restrictive for shorter summer courses.
Room‑Type Guidance
Empire Apartments offers three unit types:
- Studio – self‑contained with private bathroom and kitchenette. Highest price bracket (toward the 840 NZD/week end). Best for those who value privacy.
- 3‑bedroom apartment (3b) – shared living space, kitchen, and usually one bathroom for all tenants. Mid‑range pricing. A resident described the common areas as having “a big living room and separated spaces.”
- Non‑ensuite – typically a single room in a shared flat where the bathroom is outside the room. This is the entry‑level option at 280 NZD/week. Reviews indicate the washroom and shower are “too small.”
If you are comfortable sharing a bathroom and want the lowest cost, the non‑ensuite is the logical choice. For a private bathroom, the studio is the only option within this property.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews provide a mixed but honest picture.
Positive take (5‑star review, Nicha Komen):
“This apartment is quite cheap compared with other places. All bills are included. There is a big living room and separated spaces in the common areas. The staff are so friendly. I am satisfied with my stay here.”
Cautious take (2‑star review, VeeSweetpea):
“Our apartment worked for our family stay. Having an onsite laundry was definitely helpful. Veiw from our room was nice. Don’t expect to see your security deposit back any time soon after leaving. We are still waiting. They said they’ve refunded it the day we left yet we’ve seen nothing. Edit to add, they took $80 for l”
Critical take (1‑star review, Md. Sifat Morshed):
“The place is very close to UoA is very convenient for students. Everything is included in rent except laundry so that’s a good deal. The place is located in a hilly area so whenever you are gonna go out you have to climb the uphill. Keep it in mind. One disadvantage is the washroom and shower is too small.”
Collectively, the reviews highlight three consistent points:
- All bills except laundry are included — a genuine cost benefit.
- The location is walking‑distance to the main university, but the uphill slope is a daily challenge.
- Security deposit refunds can be delayed or reduced. Two out of three reviewers flagged this issue.
The overall Google rating is 2.9 out of 5 from 892 reviews. That suggests the negative deposit experience and small bathrooms are recurring frustrations, not isolated incidents.
Who This Residence Suits
- Budget‑conscious students who want a low starting rent and are fine sharing a bathroom.
- Students at nearby universities who can walk to campus (the property is in Grafton, a neighbourhood adjacent to the main university area). The reviews confirm the proximity is “very convenient.”
- Anyone who wants predictable weekly costs because utilities are included — no surprise bills for heating or internet.
- Students who need a short lease (minimum 18 weeks) but not a full academic year commitment.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who need their deposit back quickly. Multiple reviews report weeks or months of waiting, plus deductions. If you rely on that deposit for your next rental, this is a risk.
- Anyone with mobility issues or who dislikes walking up hills. The property sits on a slope, and leaving the building means an uphill climb to reach the main road.
- Those who need a large, modern bathroom. The reviews specifically call out the washroom and shower size as disadvantages.
- Students who want onsite laundry included in the rent. Laundry is available but charged separately, which adds to the weekly cost.
Booking Timing
Empire Apartments is listed as available from 1 July 2026. Given the 18‑week minimum lease, the earliest move‑in date is July 2026. If your semester starts in July, booking as early as possible is advisable — the low starting price (280 NZD/week) is likely to fill quickly. For later start dates (e.g., February 2027), confirm availability with the operator because many student properties in Auckland release rooms around 6‑8 months ahead.
Because the property has only three room types, the cheapest non‑ensuite rooms may sell out first. If you require a studio, expect to pay toward the higher end of the price range and book at least 4‑6 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the deposit fully refundable?
The deposit is listed as 470 NZD. Based on resident reviews, refunds may be delayed by several weeks after departure, and deductions have been applied in some cases for unclear reasons. Confirm the refund policy in writing with the operator before paying the deposit.
Are utilities and internet included in the rent?
Yes — electricity, water, gas (if applicable), and internet are included in the weekly rent for all room types. Laundry is not included; you will need to pay separately for each use (exact cost not listed — confirm with the operator).
How far is the walk to the main university campuses?
The building is located in Grafton, which is immediately adjacent to the main university precinct. One reviewer described it as “very close” and “very convenient.” Walking time to the central lecture buildings is approximately 5–10 minutes, though the uphill slope on the way out adds effort. The property is also near bus routes that connect to other campuses.
Sources & data date: This article is based on information provided by the housing platform as of July 2026. Prices, availability, and resident reviews are subject to change.
To check current availability and book a viewing, use the on‑site assistant on this page.
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