As a landlord, it's important to understand what potential and existing tenants are looking for.
By knowing what property features are most important to tenants, you can make sure your rental meets their needs and expectations.
Some landlords find it tricky to know exactly what renters are looking for and on the flip side, some tenants struggle to find a property that meets their needs. Take a look at the top features tenants want in a rental and what landlords can do to boost tenant interest.
Light
No matter what type of tenant you want to attract, more natural light will usually be appealing. It makes a property feel more open and inviting, even though tenants might not consider this one of their top priorities.
Extra natural light is something that's difficult to change in a property you already own, but if you're looking for new properties then keep this in mind during your search.
A clean and clear look and feel
This point is usually a more conscious decision by tenants. Grimy properties are unattractive to potential renters, so it's essential that you keep yours clean and free of clutter if you want to secure a tenant. While many tenants prefer modern properties, those interested in renting a period property will usually prefer the fixtures and fittings to match.
If your home's interior looks outdated, give it a facelift. Something as simple as a new coat of paint can make all the difference. If you're struggling to let your property out, or want to increase rental income, then you might need to look at more significant changes.
It's crucial to remember that tenants will almost always want their rental property to feel like their own home. Lighter colours and neutral decoration usually make personalisation simpler and allow the available natural light to brighten the space more effectively.
Transport Links
Tenants looking for rental properties often prioritise locations with easy access to transportation.
If your property is located in an urban area then bus stops nearby can be a big selling point.
For properties situated further from city centres, good road networks are key, especially in commuter towns where having a train station close by can also increase its appeal to potential tenants.
Local Amenities
This one almost goes without saying, but it’s worth thinking both about the kind of tenants you’re looking to attract, as well as the shifting digital world we live in.
For example, if you want to attract students as tenants, being close to the local university - or having a bus that goes straight there - will be appealing. On the other hand, families will care more about nearby schools and although more people are choosing to shop online, there is still a demand for small corner shops nearby that offer quick and easy access to essential items.
Storage Space
Having a lot of storage space is key for people looking to let for longer periods of time. Students usually have fewer possessions or at least leave them all at their parent's house, but for those planning to settle down, having extra storage space is often important.
For properties you already own - is there a way to increase storage space? If so, this will likely attract potential tenants. Whether it’s an extra cupboard in an unused space or access to the attic, having additional options for storing belongings is key in making any property more desirable.
Living Space
The more space you have in your property, the more favourable it will be to potential tenants. But this doesn't always mean the property has to be big; just that the rooms should feel spacious. For example, a house with four small rooms will likely feel smaller than one with three larger rooms, even if its footprint is bigger.
Bigger rooms often have an airier and brighter feel - which is especially appealing to tenants. If your rental tends to have smaller rooms without much natural light, consider ways to brighten up the spaces before listing the property.
Connectivity
With the world becoming ever more connected, high-speed internet is now a necessity for most people.
Whether it’s for work, study, or entertainment, tenants will increasingly expect decent internet speeds as standard. In most urban locations this won’t be an issue but if you're considering investing in a property located in a rural area then be sure to check the local broadband infrastructure first.
Parking
Unlike fast internet speeds, the accessibility of parking is more likely to be found in rural areas than in towns and cities.
Most tenants will want to keep at least one car and even those who live within the town may prefer driving. Having any kind of parking, especially access to off-road parking, can increase the value of your property.
White Goods
These days, many tenants expect white goods to be included, especially if they don't plan on staying long-term.
Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble driers make the biggest difference and if you spare your tenants a weekly trip to the laundrette or the expense of buying their own, they're more likely to be content with paying a little extra.
