Simple Improvements To Your Rental Property
If you own a rental home, making basic improvements and keeping it in good condition is important, especially if you are renting it out and have purchased the home to make a profit. A fresh coat of paint, improvements to the bathroom and kitchen, some basic landscaping and any required glass windows repair are all affordable yet effective improvements. However, you probably don't want to spend the same time and money on improvements to a rental home as you would on your own home.
With any property, the two most important rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom, and a dated and scruffy looking kitchen can quickly put off a potential tenant. Kitchen improvements and upgrades can easily run into thousands of pounds, although you don't need to spend that much. Some new paint, some new knobs, handles and other fixtures, new tiling, and perhaps some new lighting or blinds can make a big difference. Storage space in any kitchen is important, and the addition of counter space, shelving and cupboards can make a smaller kitchen area seem that much more appealing. Tenants like to have features and fittings that are low maintenance and don't require a lot of time spent cleaning; it also means you'll spend less time cleaning and fixing things when the property is let again.
Simple and affordable improvements to the bathroom can also help when it comes to attracting tenants, especially if you are competing with other similarly priced rentals. Maximizing the space is one of the most effective steps you can take and installing shelving and converting the bathtub to a walk-in shower won't break the bank but can make a big difference to the overall feel of what is often a small area. Consider installing a new sink, a more appealing shower curtain and updated taps and other fixtures. If it's a realistic and affordable option, a bathroom for every bedroom in your rental property is ideal.
Many renters point out that new floors are important to them, and hardwood or laminate flooring instead of carpeting is often easier for them to maintain and for you to clean once they have gone. And painting the inside of your rental property is an easy and cheap way to make it appealing, especially if it's an older home. Neutral colours are always recommended, although darker colours won't show dirt as easily. If you have the budget, consider adding features that appeal to most renters, such as a useable outdoor space, a washing machine, and extra storage.
First impressions are important, making the outside of your rental property just as important as the inside. Before showing your house to potential tenants, and make sure any glass windows repairs have been carried out, as well as any other minor repairs. Again, it needn't cost a fortune to make the exterior look more appealing, including planting flowers and shrubs, trimming back bushes or overhanging trees. A lawn that's in good condition and doesn't look neglected makes a strong first impression, as does new fencing or a newly pained front door.