We all know how important a great finish is when it comes to painting and decorating and this is equally true when it comes to a rental property. In this blog, we’ll look at what to focus on when decorating your property for the rental market and how to make sure the decorating appeals to the mass market.
Less is more
When it comes to rental properties the temptation can be to update and upgrade everything in the property to make it stand out, but our advice would be to focus on what matters. Functionality is key to success so simple furniture, fittings and fixtures will do the job just a well as more expensive alternatives at a fraction of the cost. Stick to neutral colours for things like your kitchen cupboards, tiles and flooring as these will help the property appeal to the most people.
Adopt a neutral colour scheme
While your own personal style might be bold and bright, it isn’t for everyone. Neutral colours will help to brighten up small rooms and give the illusion of more space. It is also much easier to imagine yourself living in a property when there is not a strong colour scheme to consider. Splashes of colour can be added with things like the curtains, cushions on sofas and other soft furnishings to help bring the space to life.
Prepare the property for painting
Whether you are looking to bring a new property to the rental market following refurbishment or just looking to refresh an existing property in your portfolio, prior to decoration you will need to get the property ready. While most painters and decorators will be happy to sand walls, fill small holes and cracks and prepare surfaces for painting, they will not want to do any building work or clear a room.
Taking the time to get all the work done prior to decorating will help to speed up the process and help you achieve a great finish. Ensure that all rooms are clutter free with clear access to the walls and ceilings. All woodwork should be fitted and second fix wiring completed to save having to redo things.
Hire a professional painter
It can be tempting to save money by doing the decorating yourself but if you want to get the biggest return on your investment then it really does pay to hire a professional decorator. Not only will they achieve a much higher quality finish but they will do it in a much quicker time compared to the average DIYer.
Don’t go cheap
Looking to create a luxury feel while sticking to a tight budget? Certain areas are worth spending more on than others. A luxurious, hard-wearing carpet may cost more initially, but it will stand the test of time and still look great for many years to come. Furniture is one area where you can certainly save money, and depending on your market your tenants may prefer to rent your property unfurnished.
Another area to avoid scrimping on is the bathroom suite and kitchen. We are not saying that you should buy the most expensive suite and kitchen, but a mid-range option will often age much better compared with a budget option and help you attract a higher rental price.