Tips for Improving the Value of your Property
Improving the value of your property doesn’t require elaborate renovations, second-story extensions or the addition of a swimming pool – DIY reality TV shows have proven that.
Cosmetic changes can go a long way in helping to turn your home from rundown to glamourous all while saving you money and adding a few more dollars to your rental price.
We often make suggestions to update and renovate properties to our landlords, helping to keep the property in its best condition to attract the best quality tenants. We have all the trades at our disposal and are here to help.
Paint your home:
It is incredible how a lick of paint can completely transform your property. Cost-efficient paints in neutral colours can be a great way to breathe life into a tired-looking property, especially if the interior or exterior walls are showing signs of age. This is also a great selling point for your rental agent to include when showing through prospective tenants.
Update your bathroom tiles:
This is not as extensive as it sounds. Many bathrooms feature decorative tiles or dirty grout that for many tenants can be a real turn-off. A quick fix for this is to either have the grout pressure cleaned or redone and have your tiles painted with specialised paint. Neutral colours are another great option here as they allow tenants to imagine putting their own mark on the property. Going from darker to lighter colours also helps to open up a room.
Breathe life into your kitchen:
The kitchen is the heart of any home and for many tenants, it can be a deal breaker for a tenant. While a major kitchen remodel may be out of the question, you can definitely make small changes that will go a long way. For dated kitchen cupboards, consider repainting the doors and changing the handles. You can also consider painting any splashback tiles or buying a new tap which, you can find at affordable prices.
Clean it up:
It may seem like a given, but making sure the property looks clean and tidy can help in a tenant’s eye. Ensure walls are mark-free, and carpets are stain-free, and don’t forget to give your rangehood above the stove top a good clean. Having everything sparkling will once again allow a tenant to picture themselves living in the property. Another great idea is to make sure anything broken is fixed, such as doors that won’t shut properly, door stoppers replaced, or broken tiles on balconies replaced/repaired.
Swap out your furniture:
It can be hard for some tenants to look past dated or overly decorative furniture and see the property itself. It is really important to make tenants feel a connection with the property and imagine themselves cooking in the kitchen, dining at the table, or watching TV in the lounge room. For this reason, you should keep in mind how the home is decorated if at all. Our suggestion would be to completely remove all furniture, this also removes the responsibility for maintaining the furniture.
Don’t forget to garden:
Of course, you can fix up the inside of the property all you like but that first impression will come from the outside. Overgrown gardens in the back and front yards can be a little alarming, so make sure the lawn is mown and the gardens are tidy. Many landlords include regular garden maintenance in the rental price.