In a competitive market where the number of investors making passive income on property rentals is now on the rise, it can be a tough job securing good tenants. Interior design is one of the key aspects to make a property more desirable to prospective tenants, who unquestionably make their choice on both function and attention to detail.
As your tenants will be spending a great deal of time in their main living spaces, one of the first rooms to consider renovating would be the kitchen. The kitchen is essentially the hub of the home. Therefore, the overall look and quality could get your property snapped up instantly.
If you have not yet secured a property and are looking to purchase one in the near future, an online marketplace is a valuable resource which connects potential investors with real estate properties. If you would like to find out more about investing in real estate, check out these realty mogul reviews for a detailed insight into the platform. Here are 3 top tips for landlords to consider when renovating a rental property kitchen.
Overall Design – Although it can be easy to fall into the trap of choosing a design that is most suited to your taste, you may need to reconsider your own personal preferences and ask friends and family for opinions on what they would look for in a rental property. A high-tech kitchen with the latest mod–cons may be attractive to some, while a practical and functional design could be far more appealable to others.
Appliances – When it comes to purchasing appliances, you will need to install the basics such as an oven, cooker, fridge, freezer and a sink, etc. Expensive appliances may be a waste of cash, as tenants won’t be too caught up in the price you paid; nor will they pay any more rent on the property for the added expense. Cheaper appliances are at a greater risk of breaking, which can be costly and stressful on your behalf, therefore opt for items that are middle-ground in cost but are from a respectable brand.
Materials – As your property could be lived in by a number of tenants over the years, it is important to choose materials that are durable and of high-quality. As the property will not be their long-term home, tenants are far less likely to take extra care as they would if they owned the place– therefore you need to expect the occasional knock or scratch.
Laminate is one of the most commonly-used materials for kitchen surfaces as it is hard-wearing, stain resistant and inexpensive to purchase. When opting for laminate, choose one that has a textured finish and isn’t too light in color. Natural stone also performs just as well but is most used in high-end kitchens and often out of landlord budgets.
For doors and drawers, choose melamine, which is also hard-wearing and easy on the wallet. As doors and drawers are less likely to get damaged than surfaces, it would be fine to choose lighters shades, but do stay away from gloss finishes which are less scratch-resistant.
If you have a busy schedule and don’t have much time to spare, you may also wish to consider purchasing a kitchen that is ready-made with a professional fitter on hand to hire, rather than installing the entire kitchen entirely from flat pack.