Inside: Transform your home: Design and planning tips for a rental property. Collaborative post.
When it comes to your own home, it’s an opportunity to indulge your wildest interior design dreams and create a space that truly reflects you. But for a rental property, a personalised design is less ideal. As a landlord, you don’t know the future tenants or what they’ll love, which is why it’s important to design a rental that will appeal to anyone.
In this article, discover tips and ideas for designing a rental property that will appeal to a diverse array of tenants and stand the test of time.
Maximise storage
When it comes to rental properties, storage space is a top concern for most tenants. If you don’t have the budget for major renovations and expansions, look for clever solutions that will maximise every inch of your existing layout – smart storage hacks that increase functionality without breaking the bank.
This might include built-in cutlery dividers and tall skinny cabinets in the kitchen or a coffee table that doubles as a storage unit. A few inexpensive tweaks can allow tenants to live comfortably within the rental’s current storage capacity.
Opt for neutral colours
While the latest design trends are undeniably appealing, resist the urge to recreate them during a rental makeover. It’s important to design for durability and longevity, which means neutral is best.
Opt for white or beige paint, natural wood finishes and subtle accents, allowing the tenant to make the space their own. This will also mean the rental won’t look dated in a few years time. Choosing timeless neutrals over trendy colours is a win-win for both parties.
Focus on bathrooms and kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of the home and a big selling point for any rental property on the market. Most renters want a user-friendly space with appliances that are clean and attractive. If you’re buying second-hand, look for well-maintained appliances that won’t require constant maintenance.
In the bathroom, go for light and airy, with a floorplan that is spacious and functional. While a stylish vanity or some bold tiling can add visual interest, it’s more important that the bathroom is clean and safe. Consider replacing an ageing or stained toilet and pull up that old linoleum in favour of fresh and modern flooring.
Lighting is key
Most renters want a bright and sun-drenched space with plenty of natural light. But if some rooms don’t receive a lot of direct sunlight, it’s time to get creative with lighting options.
This might mean placing floor lamps and table lamps in the living spaces, hanging a pendant light over the kitchen or installing a skylight. Take advantage of different lighting options to highlight the best features of your rental property and make it as appealing as possible.
Internal doors with glass can also enhance the brightness and open feel of the space by allowing light to flow between rooms.
Lastly, when showing your rental property, open up the curtains and blinds to flood each room with as much natural light as possible.
Build in flexibility
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to rental properties, which is why creating a flexible floor plan is so important. A modern, open-plan living space allows renters to customise it to their needs, rather than being stuck with individual rooms that are designed for a single purpose.
When designing each space, make sure it is flexible enough to accommodate modern-day appliances, which may be slightly bigger than in times gone by. This is particularly true when it comes to fridge-freezers and televisions. By building flexibility into a rental home, it can be adapted to the needs of anyone who walks through the door.
Don’t overlook sustainability
In the 21st century, you can’t talk about home design without considering sustainability. When it comes to energy-efficiency, only 35% of renters say their homes are “good”. So before making any big changes to a rental property, consider the environmental impact and how it will impact energy usage.
First and foremost is insulation. Keeping renters cosy in winter and cool in summer while reducing the property’s energy bills should be a top priority. Installing solar panels is something you may want to consider, together with water-saving devices.
Imagine how great it will feel to tell prospective renters that your rental not only provides a comfortable stay but is reducing its environmental footprint wherever possible.
Keep it simple
While you might feel the urge to decorate your rental property with personal flair, it’s best to keep things clean, neutral and functional. For an idea of what other landlords are doing, check out the listings at Rentola, which showcases places to rent in Birmingham, London and beyond. It’s a user-friendly platform where landlords and tenants can connect, with hundreds of rental listings in Birmingham alone.
Aside from adding a written description of their property, landlords can upload high-quality images to Rentola to give tenants a visual idea of the space. These photos should appeal to renters’ preferences (not your own) and highlight the simplicity, functionality and comfort of the home.