Property experts often advise sellers to style their home before they put it on the market.
Go the extra mile with presentation, and buyers will be impressed by what they see and smell, or so the theory goes.
But do the same styling rules apply to landlords hoping to attract top tenants to their buy-to-let?
While there’s a little less scope for creative presentation with rentals (because they tend to be unfurnished), we think basic styling principles can still apply.
A well-styled rental sends a clear message to prospective tenants that the landlord is proactive and takes maintenance and upkeep seriously.
And that’s just what high-quality tenants (who may have had negative experiences with absent landlords in the past) are looking for.
To add further context, consider the effort some Airbnb owners put into styling their holiday lets for online photos, and that’s just to secure a short-term booking of a week or two.
In comparison, most landlords hope to secure a long-term tenant who – in the best-case scenario – will go on to spend years living in the property.
Here are some styling tips for your unfurnished rental. Some of these adjustments may seem small when viewed in isolation, but when put together, they can have a significant impact.
- Get the basics right. Ensure the property is clean, and give grubby walls and skirting boards a fresh lick of paint in a neutral colour.
- Add homely touches that are easy to remove before the tenancy starts, such as matching hand towels and bathmats to soften the bathroom interior.
- Install a matching kettle and toaster, and a jar of cooking utensils in the kitchen.
- If there are lampshades in the property, ensure they match and are good quality (you don’t have to spend a fortune – there are some reasonably priced ones on the market).
- Add neutral curtains to dress windows.
- Consider adding some fake plants (go for tasteful ones) and a rug or two so the property looks like a home, not an empty shell.
- If the property has a garden, plant some low-maintenance drought-resistant plants to add vibrancy.
- Before a viewing, ensure that there are no unpleasant odours that could put off prospective tenants.
Contact us here at Knightsbridge Professional Lettings today if you’d like to learn more about our property management services.