15 Quick And Easy Rental Property Upgrades
Many investors won’t consider rental property upgrades when the market is strong, and applicants are plentiful.
However, some savvy property owners renovate even in a booming market, to further their investment strategy.
If you’d like to learn more about how to make your property instantly more appealing, and why it might be worth doing, read on.
Why Upgrade Your Rental Property?
There are many reasons to upgrade rental properties, including necessity — sometimes properties deteriorate to the point where they’re un-rentable.
Usually however, motivations for upgrades include wanting to:
- attract high-calibre tenants
- maximise returns
- optimise resale value
- boost tax deductions
- avoid emergency maintenance costs
Attracting High-Calibre Tenants
A property will always earn more and stay in better condition with high-calibre tenants — they pay more rent, pay on time, and maintain properties better.
Maximising Returns
Upgrades usually improve rental yield, provided you don’t overcapitalise. Choose improvements where costs can be recovered from increased rent within a reasonable timeframe. Ask an expert property manager (like We Love Rentals!) for advice on this.
Optimising Resale Value
If renovating to improve resale prospects, choose improvements that will at least recoup costs. A local sales agent can advise what upgrades are likely to achieve this.
Boosting Tax Deductions
Some work is fully tax deductible in the same year — necessary repairs, for example. Some other improvements are depreciable over the life of the item.
Your accountant can advise on the rules, if tax deductibility is important.
Avoiding Emergency Maintenance
Some work can’t be delayed, without risking greater costs. Deal with jobs like gutter cleaning, roof repairs, pruning large branches, removing invasive roots, plumbing and electrical repairs promptly — otherwise you risk much more expensive repairs or even liability for injury.
Best Rental Property Upgrades For Return on Investment
There are a number of quick, easy ways to enhance a property’s street appeal and presentation that are also likely to deliver a reasonable return on investment.
Easy outdoor strategies include:
- laying fresh mulch, weeding driveways/gardens, planting annuals
- painting the front door, cleaning pavers/driveways
- adding entry lighting/security features
- creating extra car bays/undercover parking
- adding a pergola/deck
- child/pet friendly fencing.
Indoor strategies include:
- replace dated window coverings — inexpensive blinds or ready-to-hang curtains work well
- repaint in light colours for a bright, clean, spacious look
- add stylish light fittings or upgrade globes
- update floor coverings — choose vinyl, laminates, timber or hard-wearing carpet, depending on property type/value
- install air-conditioning — even a single split-system increases applications
- refresh kitchens — update cupboards/tiles, replace older ovens, install a dishwasher
- update bathroom shower-curtains/taps, paint bathroom tiles, replace or paint vanity doors
- install built-ins or add shelving and rails in bedroom recesses
- make high-speed broadband accessible
Always ensure everything is sparkling clean — windows, ceilings, walls, floors!
For more info, check out our blog post on savvy rental renovations.
So What Should I Do?
First ask your property manager what rental property upgrades will best achieve your objectives, whatever they are.
Remember, renovations become challenging when labour or materials are in short supply, so assess what work you can do yourself. DIY reduces the risk of delays and budget blowouts.
Check out whether materials you need are available now — buy local where possible as overseas orders are notoriously slow.
If using contractors, a written quote or contract, and careful project management, can help to minimise delays and cost increases.
Property managers have reliable trade networks, and can help make the project less stressful. They may be able to assist with project management.
For advice from your local experts, call We Love Rentals today on 6254 6300. Our experienced friendly team can help with a strategy to ensure success!
Brendan Leahy
I am the licensee of We Love Rentals and provide support to the team whenever needed. I began my real estate career over two decades years ago. While I loved seeing people achieve their dream of a new home for their family, I kept thinking that there had to be a better way of doing real estate – one with respect for the long term benefit of the client and one that focuses on customer satisfaction.
