Flathive vs Trade Me Flatmates
Trade Me is New Zealand's biggest general marketplace, and its Property section includes Flatmates Wanted. Flathive is built only for flatting: rooms, flatmates and the paperwork around moving in.
Prices and features checked on 2 November 2026. Sources are listed at the bottom of this page.
Side by side
| Feature | Flathive | Trade Me |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A site only for rooms, flatmates and shared homes | A general marketplace; flatmates are one category inside Property |
| Listing a room or profile | Free | Check Trade Me's current property listing fees |
| Searching | Free | Free to browse |
| Messaging | Free in-app chat (message up to 3 listings without a listing of your own; create a free listing to message more) | Check Trade Me's current messaging rules |
| Flatmate profiles (people looking) | Yes — seekers post profiles landlords can browse and message | Flatmates Wanted listings |
| ID verification | Optional ID check, $5.00 one-off | Check Trade Me's member verification options |
| Tenancy agreement | Free residential tenancy agreement, filled in online | Not part of the flatmates listing |
| Team up | Team up with other seekers and search for a whole place together | Not offered |
What it is
Flathive: A site only for rooms, flatmates and shared homes
Trade Me: A general marketplace; flatmates are one category inside Property
Listing a room or profile
Flathive: Free
Trade Me: Check Trade Me's current property listing fees
Searching
Flathive: Free
Trade Me: Free to browse
Messaging
Flathive: Free in-app chat (message up to 3 listings without a listing of your own; create a free listing to message more)
Trade Me: Check Trade Me's current messaging rules
Flatmate profiles (people looking)
Flathive: Yes — seekers post profiles landlords can browse and message
Trade Me: Flatmates Wanted listings
ID verification
Flathive: Optional ID check, $5.00 one-off
Trade Me: Check Trade Me's member verification options
Tenancy agreement
Flathive: Free residential tenancy agreement, filled in online
Trade Me: Not part of the flatmates listing
Team up
Flathive: Team up with other seekers and search for a whole place together
Trade Me: Not offered
When Trade Me is a good choice
- Huge audience — most Kiwis already have a Trade Me account
- Whole-property rentals from agents in the same place
When Flathive is a good choice
- Everything is about flatting: room details, house rules, flatmate profiles
- Free to list a room or a flatmate profile
- A free tenancy agreement and move-in checklist
- Teaming up with other seekers to rent a whole place
Questions people ask
Is Flathive free to use in New Zealand?
Yes. Listing a room, searching and messaging on Flathive are free. You can message up to 3 listings without a listing of your own, and creating a listing is free. Paid extras are optional: optional boost: $10 for 30 days and an ID check ($5.00).
Can I use Flathive and Trade Me at the same time?
Yes. Many people list on more than one site. Flathive is free to list on, so adding your room or profile costs nothing.
Is Trade Me or Flathive better for finding a flatmate?
Trade Me has the bigger general audience; Flathive is built only for flatting, with flatmate profiles, team-ups and a free tenancy agreement. Listing on both gives you the widest reach.
More comparisons
Sources
Competitor prices and features change. This page reflects what their own websites said on 2 November 2026; check their site for the latest. Trade Me is a trademark of its owner; Flathive is not affiliated with it.
How Flathive helps
Flathive is New Zealand's peer-to-peer flatmate and shared housing platform. Whether you are listing a spare room or searching for your next home, Flathive makes it simple to connect, communicate, and move in safely — with verified profiles, direct messaging, and listings across the country.