Top 6 renovation tips for your rental property

bedroom lamp mirrors side tableCompetition for tenants has never been more fierce, and landlords are constantly looking for ways to get ahead.

While location and price are often the determining factors in a tenant’s initial property search, a newly renovated or refurbished property will always be attractive to would-be renters.

Here are six easy ways you can make your property as attractive as possible when it comes to those all-important viewings.

1. Keep it clean

Sounds simple, right? And surely any landlord worth their salt would take this as a given?

Well, you’d be surprised. And whilst a messy property may not always be the landlord’s fault – an untidy tenant can unwittingly sabotage any potential deal – it’s in a landlord’s interest to look after the basics.

Your letting agent should keep on top of tenants with regular inspections – especially as the viewings come thick and fast – but this doesn’t always work out as planned.

Arrange a general clean of the property before viewings while also notifying your existing tenants – you could secure future income and keep your current renters onside.

2. First impressions count

After the front door, the hallway is the first thing prospective tenants will see of your property.

Making sure your hallway is smartly decorated and clear of any clutter will immediately let renters know that this is a looked-after property.

So shift that bicycle, pack away that pram and, for everyone’s sake, tidy away those old running trainers. Adding mirrors to either side of the hall, meanwhile, can create the illusion of extra space.

But it’s not just the visuals; a strategically placed air freshener can also work wonders.

3. Maximize any outdoor space

As renting becomes more and more expensive (and the recent buy-to-let changes aren’t likely to help things) many tenants are often priced out of larger properties.

This means one and two bedroom flats are hot property, and living without an outside space is common. But if you do have the luxury of being able to offer outside space, you’d be wise to make the most of it.

And this is especially true for big cities. Sprucing up an overgrown back garden to make it a useful summer space is a quick, easy way to add a strong selling point to your listing.

4. Dress to impress

When it comes to decor, taste is most definitely subjective.

So while you may adore that lime green wall or stag head taxidermy, it’s important to realize everyone’s ideals will be different.

Create a clean, neutral environment and you’ll cater for the minimalists, while also giving the more extravagant tenants out there a blank canvas.

5. Kitchens and bathrooms are key

It’s common knowledge that renovated kitchens and bathrooms are particularly appealing to renters and you’ll find this advice in any rental property renovation guide.

Kitchens will often play host to social events, and in smaller properties can also act as an extension of the living room.

A brand new kitchen or bathroom can be costly, however, so weigh up the pros and cons. If it’s out of your budget, be smart – maximize space, decorate to highlight the strong points of the rooms and, of course, keep it clean.

6. See the light

You’ll want to allow as much natural light as possible into your property, but admittedly this isn’t necessarily simple. In fact, for some, adding or making windows larger is impossible.

So if a skylight or floor-to-ceiling window is out of the question, consider a mirror as a cost-effective alternative – placed thoughtfully, it’ll magically make a room seem brighter.

Source: simplybusiness.co.uk