Are you an experienced or aspiring landlord in the UK? You’ll want to make sure that your property appeals to tenants so that you can continue to invest and make an income. In this blog, we’re answering the question, what are tenants looking for in rental properties?
What does the rental market look like?
The UK rental market continues to thrive in 2024 with many houses and apartments being reserved soon after entering the market.
Approximately 18.8% of homes in the UK are privately rented. This highlights the fantastic opportunities available for landlords. Landlords might choose to rent homes, apartments or even student properties.
As a landlord, it’s important to ensure that your property meets all of the requirements and is safe for tenants to reside in.
What are tenants looking for in rental properties?
Location
The location of your rental property can have a significant impact on how popular it is with potential tenants. Tenants generally look for homes that are close to local amenities and transport links. It’s also important that the property is in a safe location. Of course, tenants will have different priorities, so it’s important to consider who you’re targeting with your property.
Condition
The condition of your rental property is important and tenants will be much more likely to want to start a contract if the home is in good condition.
The home’s condition can include its structure and the furniture if it is included in the contract. Read our blog on furnished vs unfurnished properties.
As a landlord, it’s important that you take time to consider the condition of the home and its furnishings. Occasionally, these will need replacing due to wear and tear.
Outdoor space
If your rental property has an outdoor area, then this is a great selling point to highlight. Many tenants are searching for properties with gardens.
As the landlord, it’s your decision whether or not you will take care of the garden or if you want to give tenants the responsibility. Reasonable tasks would include mowing the grass, watering plants, removing waste and generally maintaining the garden.
Landlords can employ gardeners to take care of this job. In some cases, landlords require significant garden maintenance to be completed and we can facilitate this.
Storage space
Storage will always come in handy for tenants. If your rental property offers this, it needs to be highlighted. Here are some other important factors for tenants.
- Safety and security
- Open plan spaces
- Fitted appliances in good working order
- Local transport
- Car parking
- Natural light
- Energy efficient rental properties
- Private or communal gardens
What’s the best way to promote my property?
If you’ve worked hard on making your property appealing, you’ll want to ensure that it is promoted well. You will also need to ensure that all safety procedures are completed correctly, such as carbon monoxide alarms and an up to date energy performance certificate (EPC).
At Intus Lettings, we can support you with all aspects of property management, including promotion. Our professional team can support you with the following aspects of property promotion.
- Professional photographs of rental homes
- High quality rented property descriptions
- Listings published on our website as well as popular platforms, including Rightmove and Gumtree.
- Completing property viewings with prospective tenants
- Reference and financial checks completed for potential tenants
- Tenancy agreements arranged
- Inventory conducted
- Meter readings taken
- Deposits and rental payments collected for private landlords
- Paperwork completed
- All queries answered promptly regarding your investment property
By working with our team at Intus Lettings, you can rest assured that your investment will be looked after. We have a wealth of knowledge regarding the private rental sector and we’re on hand to answer any queries you may have.
Are you ready to start your journey as a landlord? Contact our team today.
