How to make your rental property stand out from the crowd

In a competitive rental market, making sure your investment property stands out from the crowd is top priority. For the most part, tenants are looking for high lifestyle, with low maintenance. When you provide value in this way, your property not only stands out, it attracts tenants who’ll offer security, reliability and safety for your investment.

Update kitchens and bathrooms as a priority

Prospective tenants really do scrutinise kitchens and bathrooms, for good reason. Given the amount of daily use, things like grout mould, broken handles, stiff tapware and temperamental ovens will see them looking elsewhere. These rooms are a priority for updates, and perhaps the most expensive if you need to replace fixtures - though it’s absolutely worth it.

If you just need to refresh appearances, regrouting tiles, installing new drawer knobs and handles, replacing shower curtains or painting cabinet doors can make all the difference. For inspections, dress rooms to offer lifestyle benefits, so tenants can picture themselves enjoying the space.

Refresh paint and carpet

It is a wise investment to professionally clean or renew paint and carpets when they show signs of wear and tear. This way your property always looks clean and fresh.

Carefully consider window coverings

Window coverings experience similar daily use to bathrooms and kitchens. For example, though it may seem cost-effective to use super cheap, flimsy blinds throughout a home, they may send tenants straight to the next property viewing. As they generally don’t have the option to change them, tenants look for blinds or curtains offering privacy, sufficient light blockout and ease of use. Bonus points for neutral colours to match any decor.

Create a sense of space

Whether your property is furnished or unfurnished, creating a sense of space is of utmost importance. Can you refigure cupboards or shelving to make the most of the room available? Are there features in the garden or yard that are unnecessary? If furnished, have you considered the best use of items, so that rooms appear spacious and uncluttered?

Energy efficient upgrades

One of the first questions most tenants are likely to ask is, “how much is the average electricity bill?” Investing in energy efficient upgrades gives you and your property fantastic bargaining power, plus, it’s great for the environment. Start by updating light fixtures to low-energy LED lighting, installing quality blinds or curtains, sealing gaps in windows and doors and planting shady plants or trees near windows, doors and balconies.

It makes sense that tenants who’ll look after your property - not to mention diligently pay rent - are those looking for added value. With a few tweaks and a bit of careful sprucing, your rental property will stand out from the crowd and successfully boost your investment.