BUYWhat makes a tenant request a viewing and make an offer? Is it the cost of the monthly rent or the proximity to public transport? While both of those aspects play a huge part in the decision making process, Aspire’s Lettings team is seeing a new habit forming amoung London’s renters.
Alastair Hutchinson, our Lettings Director, comments that the condition of a rental property is proving to be of crucial importance in South West London. “Tenants really are looking for modern properties with a good finish - those that are a bit ‘old’ can struggle,” comments Alastair.
We’re advising landlords with vacant lets and those with expiring tenancies to carry out a spring clean in order to attract the very best tenants. Work doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive but anything that adds to the aesthetic appeal will help generate enquiries.
Aspire’s ‘sprucing up’ suggestions include:
- Repainting walls: grubby marks, fingerprints and light-zapping colours will not set the right tone in a rental property. Repainting in white or even the palest of greys will instantly ‘lift’ a property and restore a sense of freshness.
- Smartening outside space: tenants are placing increasing amounts of importance on outside space, especially with the hopeful return of garden gatherings and summer on the horizon. Balconies, terraces and gardens should be in tip top condition to attract renters.
- Replacing dated furniture: landlords offering furnished rentals will instantly date their offering if the furniture is from a bygone era (the vintage look is so hard to get right). If you can’t replace, think about repainting in light, neutral colours and use a throw to cover shabby sofas.
- Change fixtures & fittings: kitchens and bathrooms can quickly be updated by changing features such as taps, tiles and handles. And if you include appliances, ensure they are the latest models with good energy efficiency ratings.
- Eradicate wear & tear: a build-up of limescale, watermarks, damp patches, cracked tiles and traces of mould are giveaways that a rental is aging or is well used. Use appropriate treatments and replacements to give ‘as new’ appeal to a let property.
If you have a vacant let and need to find tenants fast, contact Aspire for professional advice.
