People who want to make the switch from renting to buying a home in Auckland are being told now is a good time to do so.

The latest data shows residential rent has gone up, while house prices have plateaued.

Real estate agents say low-interest rates are also making it easier for people to get on the property ladder.

National Manager of real estate firm Century 21, Geoff Barnett said mortgage repayments can be more affordable than average rent prices at the moment.

"If somebody's paying between $450 and $600 in rent every week, for the level of the house they are living in, they will be able to afford a mortgage on a low-value home.

"When you compare a first home buyer price range in that $600k to $700k price range, most people find that the rent they are paying would actually pay a mortgage off, which would be a far better solution for them. 

"At the moment with interest rates sitting around that 4-5%, it makes mortgages very affordable.

"In New Zealand, we've had interest rates at double that level.

"The general consensus from people in the finance world and real estate industry seems to be that interest rates will remain where they are for some time, and if that's the case it does make those mortgages affordable."