How To Make Your Property Attractive For Rental

If you’re wondering how to make your property attractive for rental purposes, then there are just a few basic rules that could mean the difference between your house or apartment languishing for months, or being snapped up immediately.

There’s never been a better time – so if you’re wondering ‘should I let out my house’? or ‘is my apartment good for rental?’ – then here is our advice.

THE LOOK

It’s common knowledge that people make decisions based on how something or somebody looks, within 10 seconds. That’s why it’s vital to ensure your property looks appealing, both from the outside and inside.

A property that looks shabby or unloved, will suggest to a potential tenant that it’s un-loved and cared for. This will then translate to potential future problems (for example – they may think that if there are problems, it will be difficult to get them rectified by the landlord). This may or may not be true, but a small amount of effort getting things right at the beginning, will ensure you don’t lose valuable revenue as the building sits empty.

KERB APPEAL

Starting from the outside. If there’s a garden, make sure it’s tidy, weeded and looking as smart as possible.

The driveway – if it’s got potholes – get them filled. If it’s gravel that’s a bit patchy, then sweep it all back onto the driveway, or purchase a few extra bags to fill the gaps.

Clean windows and window sills. Remove flaking paint (or better still – a fresh coat will work wonders).

The front door – again – flaking paint gives the wrong impression. A smart, welcoming front door with nice door furniture will always help.

INSIDE THE HOME

Think about the look, and the smell! The worst smells to be greeted by are (in no particular order):

Damp, dogs/cats, food smells and an overload of chemicals (plug-ins, scented sticks, joss-sticks, diffusers etc). Any of these can be seen to be hugely unattractive to potential renters. A clean, neutral smell in the property is the best start.
If the issue of smell is to do with damp, there’s no disguising that. Damp is one of the most feared issues within a property (there are strong associations with ill-health), so it pays to get it sorted out before you try and find a tenant.

And now the look. Neutral is the winner every time. Nobody wants to move into rented and have to start decorating. Apart from the fact this may not be within the remit, it’s not what they are paying for. If you do have colour, then make sure it’s subtle pastels in the appropriate places. Cream or white are always favourites, as they are not distracting or over-powering.

And keep it tidy! If we’re viewing a furnished property, then it helps to remove any personal items (like photos or washing drying on radiators), and to make sure the property is tidy and clean. Viewers want to imagine themselves in there, not that they’re sharing it with someone else!

SELL IT TO YOUR AGENT

A good letting-agent will make it their business to know everything there is to know, in order to let quickly for you. At Cross & Co, we’ll go into great detail to become really familiar with your offering. For example – if it has fantastic neighbours, that’s a bonus, and we’ll let potential renters know. If the area has a strong sense of community, that’s another plus. Maybe there’s a new boiler, or it’s been freshly re-wired? Anything, no matter small, just tell us, we’ll note it down, and include it as part of the presentation when we’re showing people around.

We hope this small article has encouraged you to see your property through different eyes, and look forward to helping you on your next step to becoming a landlord.