18 Feb Top tips for attracting tenants
The world of buy-to-let is a fast-paced, highly-competitive, and legislation-filled place. In order to get ahead in this kind of environment having the best property for the best price is no longer enough. Your rental properties need to attract tenants; they need to be presented as if you are selling in order to enable prospective tenants to imagine a lifestyle within the property.
We’ve put together some great tips that will help you to attract the right tenants at the best price for your property; and remember, we are the leading letting agents in Colnbrook so, if you are looking for a property to add to your portfolio, make sure you give us a call on 01753 683000 or email us.
So, what makes a property attractive to prospective tenants.
Kerb Appeal
The outside of your property is the first thing someone will see when arriving for a viewing. Make sure that your external areas are well kept and neat. Not only will this make the property look its best, but it’ll also show that the property has been looked after and sets an expectation of pride in the home.
Communal Areas
When dealing with apartments and flats with communal areas, they may not be directly a landlord’s responsibility, but it will impact the impression prospective tenants take away with them. Get ahead of it, either speak to the management company to have it fixed/spruced up or take it upon yourself to do it.
Clutter
Even if you’re letting your property fully furnished, tenants will bring many of their own possessions; so, make sure that when you present the property for viewing it’s not overwhelmed with unwanted clutter. Most people will need to be able to envisage themselves living in the property in order to feel comfortable making an offer – leave some room for imagination.
Looking Fresh
Between lettings, while your property is empty it’s a good idea to give the place a lick of paint and fix any damage. Again, this will show that the property is well looked after and set the expectation, most people want to take care of the home in which they live. Regular maintenance will help landlords stay on top of the wear and tear in their property and keep up with the competition.
Aging Appliances
There’s nothing wrong with older appliances, as long as they’re clean and reliable. A leaking washing machine and a limescale encrusted kettle, will not impress prospective tenants. Broken or unreliable appliances are a feud waiting to happen and will deter a tenant from your property. Landlords should check all appliances thoroughly between tenants and before showing anyone around the property.
Cleanliness is next to…
Make sure the property is thoroughly cleaned between tenancies. Even if the previous tenant may have had it cleaned, be sure to inspect carefully and if needed give it another clean to refresh the property. Perhaps use air fresheners or reed diffusers to make the property smell fragrant – empty homes can sometimes smell a little musty and can be off-putting for viewers. This is especially applicable to kitchens and bathrooms.
Unfinished Tasks
Sometimes a small repair can be much more complicated than you first figured. If you have tried to fix something and not finished it, make sure you do so before showing people around. A property in which there are still walls requiring paint and evidence of half-finished maintenance is a red flag to anyone looking to rent a property.
Ultimately prospective tenants will have reasonable expectations when it comes to a rental home. Some may even wish to give the property a fresh paint job with the landlord’s permission, but in such a competitive market it will behove you, as a landlord to present your property at its best in order to secure the right tenant.
Contact Us
If you are looking for your next property in Slough or the surrounding areas, we are the leading independent letting agents in Colnbrook and are location experts. So, contact us on 01753 683000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.