How to make your rental property stand out from the crowd

For most landlords, the goal is to secure the best possible tenants and a regular income. To attract the best tenants, your property needs to stand out from the crowd. But how?

Tenant demand remains strong in central London, and this includes Marylebone, Baker Street and other areas. But it will always be necessary to try and give your property a boost so that it appeals to prospective tenants.

Make the property shine

This is rather obvious, but prior to any marketing photos or viewings, make sure the home is as uncluttered and presentable as possible. Install new features to help make the place sing, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, which generally stand as the two most important rooms for tenants. Try to think carefully about the accessories and furnishings you choose. Opt for warm, neutral colours, and be sure to redecorate in between tenants if necessary, as a fresh coat of paint makes a great deal of difference.

Check the heating and lighting

A warm property with an efficient heating system will appeal to potential tenants. Tenants may well ask about the heating and boiler as it would affect their heating bills and their experience of living in the property. As regards lighting, make sure there is an outdoor light – should viewings take place in the evenings, this will make the property more appealing. Also make sure rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen are well-lit.

Landscape the outdoors

If there is any garden or outside space, it’s important to make sure this is tidy, well-maintained, uncluttered and attractive. Most tenants won’t want to be confronted with a garden, however small, if it looks hard to maintain, so simplicity is key. Keep areas streamlined, and make sure that any loose paving stones, broken fences or unorderly areas are repaired or spruced up.

Focus on the kitchen and bathroom

As mentioned previously, the state of the bathroom and kitchen contributes hugely to a prospective tenant’s decision to either reject the property or express an interest in renting it. A complete remodel is not always necessary, but if the kitchen or bathroom is uninspiring or run-down, then you’ll need to do something. For the kitchen, this might mean installing stainless steel appliances; for the bathroom, you could install new taps and other fixtures.

What’s the property’s main selling point?

Wander around the property and contemplate the question: what’s this property’s main selling point? What are its best features? The best feature might be the shiny new bathroom, or the full-height windows in the living room which bathe the room in natural light. Or it might be a cosy fireplace and mantelpiece, or a spacious kitchen/living area. Think of what your target tenant might be looking for and sell it to them if it applies.

Spending money on making improvements to the property will be inevitable, but the money you spend should be recouped through rental income. If you prepare the property so that it appeals to your target tenant, you should be able to charge higher monthly rents, while the improvements can add value to the property, potentially boosting its resale value.

If you’re a landlord with property to let and you need guidance, why not contact our agents? From a property valuation to property management, we can help where you need us to.