Getting the decor and furnishings right in a rental property won’t just help keep it looking good – it might just bag you the best tenants, too.
What’s Your Market?
If you’re renting out a property, the street, area and size of the flat or house will, to some extent, dictate what type of tenant you’ll be getting. If your buy to let is in an area that could please just about anyone, the way you decorate and furnish your it can influence the type of tenant you can aim at. For example, a cheaply furnished blank canvas is ideal for students, while a more trendy approach could attract young professionals.
So, what decor should you go for?
Which markets might you want to aim at? There are the obvious ones: students, young professionals and families.
Who Expects What?
Students for example may go for houses with more than three bedrooms so that they can split the rent. Ideally, they need a blank canvas they can add their own character to and usually require furniture. Families are more than likely going to have their own furniture and will expect the house to be much more than just basic – it should be well-presented, in good decorative order and clean. Young professionals might not expect the garden that a family would, but may want the basics when
it comes to furniture. This should be, if not trendy, then not unfashionable. Just as families would, they will want the decor to be plain, but smart.
Legal Requirements
It should go without saying that any property you rent out should conform to the current building regulations and that you should, as a landlord, be meeting all your legal requirements. So, if you’re making major changes to your property – or you’ve bought one that’s in a poor state, ensure it’s
actually up to the right standard to be let out in the first place.
The Decorating Basics
Ideally, you want plain decor that’s easy to redecorate between tenants. However, you’ve also got to hide dirt. Rather than white, choose warm creams that will, to some extent, hide dirt. Satin finish paints are easier to wipe down than emulsion paints. Avoid wallpapers, which can tear if caught. When it comes to flooring, the more resilient, the better. A good quality laminate will work – or stripped, varnished floorboards. In kitchens and bathrooms, a good quality vinyl or tiles are the best bet.
Windows should be minimally dressed. It’s worth swapping curtains for blinds, whether roller or slatted, because these are easier to keep clean over time and cheaper to replace if damaged.
To Furnish Or Not To Furnish?
Students are likely to need furniture, for example, but a family may well have their own. If you do furnish, you’re likely to be able to charge a little more rent – however, you will then have wear and tear, plus contents insurance to pay for, which you wouldn’t if it was unfurnished.
The Furniture Basics
If you’ve been asked to furnish an empty property, here’s what you’ll need to provide: Must-Haves Cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine, sofa, chairs, dining furniture, beds, bedroom storage.
If you are an existing landlord or potentially a first time landlord get in touch with Belvoir Sheffield today to take advantage of our vast expertise and experience to ensure you are getting the best advice. Contact us today on 0114 276 0462. or email us at sheffield@belvoirlettings.com
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