Home Improvement
Rental Property Maintenance – 6 Tips for Landlords For Landlords
8 Home Improvements That Add Value to a Rental Property (And 4 That Don’t)
- Fantastic Team
- Published: October 14, 2020
- 8min read
- Views: 68
In today’s competitive market, it’s normal for any landlord to wonder just how to add value to a property they want to let. Increased rent, improved tenant retention and less time in between tenancies are just some of the benefits of adding features that add value to a home. But do you actually know which home improvements will achieve that and which ones might do the opposite? Worry not, for we are here to let you know!
So, if you:
Then keep on reading! This post is just for you.
But before we jump right into the home renovations that add value, there is one important thing to mention. Before you commit to any redecorating or remodelling projects, you need to…
It probably comes as no surprise to you that different people like different things. There is rarely a one size fits all when it comes to home decor, and an addition that is valuable to one tenant might put off another.
For example, a family with children may be looking for a home with lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, or perhaps an up to date kitchen. At the same time, a student might be more impressed with an en suite and a bedroom door lock. Unless it’s a shared student house, bedroom count rarely matters (however, the more bathrooms, the better). And, let’s be real – most students will say that the fewer bedrooms the house has, the fewer people will be stealing their cup noodles.
It’s often the little things that count the most. So, keep in mind what kind of people you want to rent to. Research your market, learn about their common likes and dislikes, and tailor your property to their needs to the best of your ability.
Now that you know to pay attention to your prospective tenants’ needs, let’s get right down to business with…
While you may be tempted to go all out and redecorate and remodel the whole thing, stop and think about the things that add value to a home. Often, this will depend on whether you’re looking to sell or rent the place, but some universal renovations can help in both cases.
Nevertheless, this post is aimed at landlords who are letting their properties, so we will focus mostly on renovations that add value to a rental property. So, without further ado, here are eight tips from the experts at Fantastic Services.
It’s not difficult to imagine that an unkempt house won’t be a potential tenant’s first choice. The state of the home will not only impact people’s opinion of the place itself, but also how they view you as a landlord. After all, if you’re not taking care of the house, your tenants will ask themselves if you’re likely to ignore their needs, too. That’s why you must keep your property as immaculate as you can and make sure it looks its best when you show it.
So, here are some things you can do to keep the house in good condition:
As we mentioned at the start, different people prefer different things. A 20-year-old design student probably won’t like the tacky wallpaper that your aunt Sheila said you simply must cover the living room with.
However, it’s impossible to know exactly what your prospective tenants prefer, and it’s not really practical to decorate the house differently every time a new person moves in. Don’t worry! The key is choosing things that appeal to as wide a range of people as possible. That’s why the best course of action when trying to add value to your property is to avoid your personal, or your aunt’s, preferences and keep the decor neutral.
When thinking about home improvements that add value, you should pay attention to which rooms in the house are the most important. Identify them and make sure they are in top condition. Most often, these rooms are the kitchen and bathroom.
An attractive, up to date kitchen is a great selling point. So, pay extra attention to it when the time comes.
The bathroom is another room you need to give some extra TLC to. So, don’t skip it when choosing renovations that add value to a rental home.
The front of your house is the first thing a potential tenant will see, so make that first impression count!
Repainting the front door and keeping the windows and frames clean and well-maintained will instantly improve the look of your property. If the windows are old or drafty, consider replacing them. Even a small detail, such as adding window boxes, can make the place look homey and more inviting.
If you have a garden out front, keep it looking neat and tidy. Trim the grass and maybe add a decorative bush or two. Just don’t go overboard with the landscaping (low-maintenance, remember).
As for the garden in the back, try to keep it looking well-maintained – a beautiful green space is one of the home improvements that add value to a rental property. Trim any bushes and trees, mow the lawn, just make it look neat and not neglected. If you want to go one step further, add a nice seating area so that your tenants can enjoy the occasional sunny day outside with a refreshing drink.
Also, make sure you write into the tenancy agreement who is responsible for maintaining the garden, as well as precisely what is expected of them.
There is some debate on whether extensions actually add value to your property. It really depends on the planning, the materials used and the purpose of the extension. Adding an extra bedroom can greatly increase the value of the house. With more bedrooms, you can increase the rent, let to larger families, and even turn the property into an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation).
A private bathroom is every shared house occupant’s dream! So, if the size of the bedroom and your budget allow it, an en suite is one of the great home improvements that add value. It’s also a great selling point to students, and basically, anyone looking for shared accommodation. Building an en suite is not too complicated and is a renovation project that doesn’t need to take up much space to be functional.
Any other selling point that will add value to your property should be considered, especially if it’s worth the investment in the long run. Some features that you can think about are:
Now that you know what upgrades add value to a home, it’s time to look in the opposite direction and talk about…
Not all investments are worth it in the end, and we want to help you save your time, effort and money so that you can put them toward something that matters. So, here are some home improvements that do not add value to a rental property:
If you’re wondering where to start, what to do and where to find a reputable tradesman, you need not look further than Fantastic Services!
The experienced and professional handymen we work with can help you with any home improvement project you have in mind! From painting and decorating to full renovation and refurbishment, the tradesmen can handle it all with ease.
Looking for help with garden maintenance? We’ve got you covered! Is your property in need of a good clean? The expert cleaners can take care of that.
For all your rental property needs, rest assured you can rely on Fantastic Services!
Find a professional to help you add value to your property.
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Did you find this post useful? Do you have any tips of your own on adding value to your property? Share them with us in the comments!
Image source: Shutterstock / New Africa
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