A rental property needs to sing to potential tenants when they pop round for a viewing. ‘Curb appeal’ is a term that’s used all too frequently these days, but it does sum up what we mean.
Your property needs to appeal from the outside if potential tenants are to be won over. If you feel your buy-to-let property requires a little work, this need not mean spending a lot of money. By making a few cheap but effective changes, you can transform your property for the better, ensuring a positive first impression from all who come to view it.
Here are 5 easy – and inexpensive – ways to boost your property’s appeal:
1) Focus on the kitchen and bathroom
Repaint the walls and ceilings if required, and hone in on the little details. How do the taps and fittings look? Could the grouting do with a clean? Are all the reflective surfaces sparkling? The quality of the bathroom and kitchen can make the difference between huge demand for your property, and no demand at all. Perhaps the sink taps in the bathroom are old and rusty? Replacing these with expensive-looking but affordable taps can make all the difference. Likewise in the kitchen, you can transform the look of the room just by replacing the handles on the units or introducing stainless steal appliances.
2) Keep things neutral
It seems slightly dull not to play around with colour in your own home, but for a rental property, it’s usually best to keep the colour scheme as neutral as possible. This will give visitors the impression that they are viewing a blank canvas, somewhere they can move into and make their own. If you have rather idiosyncratic, brightly-coloured walls in most of the rooms, this will hinder a visitor’s ability to imagine themselves living in the property. Stick to off-whites and beige for walls and ceilings.
3) Glance over the garden and driveway
If the property has a garden or an outside area, make sure this looks well-cared for and inviting. This may involve landscaping the area, planting vegetation or mowing a lawn. A garden area should soften and complement the property, adding value. If there is no garden as such, but a small driveway or paved area, make sure this is kept clear and tidy – and remove any weeds. Likewise, if part of a fence or outside wall needs repairing, make sure it is repaired.
4) Clean the windows
When the windows have just been cleaned, you’ll be surprised at how it boosts the appeal of the property’s exterior. Clean windows will allow more light into the property, which will make the property more appealing to visitors, as most viewers want a property that is light and airy.
5) Lighting matters
Good lighting – and that’s spotlights, lamp lights, and lights above preparation areas in the kitchen – is key, as is placement. Putting dimmers on overhead lights like spotlights is also a good idea, as this offers flexibility. Rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen especially need good lighting. But always think about placement.