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With the warmer weather and longer, lighter days, the summer is a prime opportunity to tick off outstanding maintenance jobs and carry out upgrades on a property. For landlords, home improvements however minor can have a big impact on a property’s appearance and the profitability of your portfolio.
Making the effort to improve interiors might seem an obvious approach, but busy lives and a limited budget might mean some simple and important property upgrades are pushed aside and forgotten about. Yet, tired interiors, outdated bathrooms or kitchens, and neglecting other areas may put tenants off, lower rental returns and sometimes damage your reputation as a landlord or agent.
A change in the seasons, and the summer in particular, is a prime time to tackle maintenance tasks and carry out strategic upgrades to increase the overall appeal and potential value of your properties. This article explores which rooms warrant upgrades and why improvements are advisable in a competitive market.
Refresh an outdated bathroom
Today’s renters are increasingly discerning, and maintaining comfortable and up-to-date interiors is crucial. In fact, most renters would prefer a property to be professionally decorated, so well-equipped and stylish housing should be a priority if you want to attract and retain your highest-paying tenants.
When it comes to the most important room in a property, the bathroom is arguably the most essential one and a high-priority for upgrades, with 60% of tenants expecting a quality bathroom as standard. Not only is this room a private retreat for relaxation and self-care, outdated fixtures, cracked tiles, or a grimy appearance can be major turn offs for renters. Bathroom trends change every few years too so don’t wait too long. A brand new bathroom or a makeover can also add value to your property.
With your holiday booked, the summer is the best time to research and plan the perfect bathroom renovation. You might opt to invest in an entire suite or start by upgrading a few bathroom fixtures. These improvements might include replacing an old tub or shower, installing stylish units, re-tiling walls, and replacing dated mirrors. Even minor changes can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.
In addition, incorporating features like heated towel racks, high-quality lighting, or a popular rainfall showerhead can add a touch of luxury and create a spa-like feel. If you want to organise a bigger renovation, the summer’s better weather is great for repainting the whole space or installing a new walk-in shower.
Update a dull kitchen
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and for good reason. It’s not only a functional space for cooking and dining but also one of the most popular areas in a property for families and friends to congregate at parties or quick coffee mornings. As such, a well-designed and modern kitchen can be a major selling point for potential tenants whether you restore the whole design, or make minor improvements to boost your property’s rental value, including:
- Change the flooring.
- Update the worktops.
- Fit new cabinet doors and/or handles.
- Paint the walls.
- Add a tiled or metallic splashback.
Investing in new appliances, countertops, and cabinetry can breathe new life into an outdated kitchen, making it more appealing and functional for renters. Additionally, incorporating energy-efficient kitchen appliances and water-saving fixtures will appeal to environmentally-conscious tenants, and also help to reduce utility costs in the long run.
If you do have more time on your hands, you could consider tackling larger kitchen renovation projects, such as knocking down walls to create an open-concept layout or installing a kitchen island for additional counter space and seating.
Create inviting living spaces
Living spaces, including living rooms and dining areas, are where tenants spend a significant amount of their time relaxing, entertaining, and socialising. These spaces should be designed with comfort and functionality in mind.
Investing in quality flooring, such as hardwood or luxury vinyl planks, can instantly elevate the appearance of these areas. Additionally, incorporating fresh paint colours, updating window treatments, and strategically placing ambient lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If your goal is to achieve a more sustainable rental, LED lighting improves energy efficiency because the bulbs require less electricity which helps cut energy bills.
During the summer months, landlords can also consider refreshing the decor by adding new throw pillows, area rugs, or artwork to give the space a fresh, updated look.
Unwind in a comfortable bedroom
Bedrooms are sanctuaries for rest and rejuvenation, and ensuring they are comfortable and inviting is essential for tenant satisfaction. Simple upgrades like replacing outdated carpeting with high-quality, stain-resistant options or installing built-in closet systems can make a significant difference.
Additionally, adding blackout curtains or shades can help create a dark and cosy environment. For the very best sleep quality, modern bedroom furniture, new mattresses, attractive bedding, and naturally breathable duvets are all comfortable upgrades. You can also consider adding ceiling fans or upgrading to more energy-efficient windows to improve air circulation and temperature control during the warmer months.
Extend outdoors for entertainment and dining
An attractive garden and cool, functional outdoor spaces or bright conservatories are great for entertaining and relaxing in. They are popular additions that can add value and be significant selling points for rental properties. During the summer months, investing in upgrades to outdoor areas can create additional living spaces for tenants to enjoy.
Consider some low-maintenance landscaping to spruce up outdoor spaces and carve out fun zones across the garden. For instance, creating a patio or decking is great for entertaining, while installing a pergola or awning can provide sunshade and rain protection. These enhancements can not only increase the visual appeal of the property but also provide functional spaces for your tenants to relax and entertain. You might also consider adding outdoor lighting, water features, or even a built-in grill, BBQ, and outdoor kitchen to further enhance the outdoor living experience.
By strategically focusing on key areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, living spaces, bedrooms, and outdoor areas, landlords can create properties that are not only well-maintained but also highly desirable to potential tenants. These upgrades can ultimately lead to higher rental values, increased tenant satisfaction, and a better return on investment.
In today’s competitive rental market, renters want value for money, and maintaining a well-presented and updated interior can be the deciding factor in attracting and retaining high-quality tenants. The summer is an excellent opportunity to carry out home upgrades to ensure your properties stand out. For more advice on managing your property portfolio and improving the presentation of your property to attract the best tenants, speak to one of our team today.
