Are you getting your property ready for a tenant? Here are some of the interior design choices most tenants prefer when looking for a new home. If your property looks anything like this, you’ll have potential renters lining up for a second look!
1. Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans make even the smallest of spaces appear much larger. Many contemporary homes have an open plan, and it is a very popular option nowadays. Check if it’s possible to knock off a wall or two to open up the living, dining and kitchen spaces in your home.
2. Ample Lighting and Ventilation
Rooms that have large windows are always preferred over dark, closed-in rooms. They let in plenty of light and air for cross-ventilation. Take advantage of the views from the windows when your tenant comes to view the property. Do ensure that the rooms are well aired and not stuffy.
3. Plenty of Storage
Be it wardrobes or kitchen cabinets, everyone looks for well-designed, convenient storage. Walk-in closets always add value to a home. If there isn’t enough space, ensure that there is ample storage in the bedroom, in the form of fitted wardrobes. Contemporary wardrobes with sliding shutters are very popular these days. Make sure that there is enough storage available throughout the home.
4. Well-designed Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home. A kitchen that is aesthetic, as well as functional, will tick all the boxes for your tenant. Well designed cabinets and sufficient storage space are sure to make your tenant fall for your home!
5. Quality of Material
Tenants are likely to keep an eye on the quality of materials you have used for your home interiors. Cheap materials don’t last long. If you have used low-quality core material for your kitchen cabinets or wardrobes, they are likely to get chipped off or broken very quickly. Well, that surely isn’t going to impress your potential tenants. It pays to choose only the best quality materials so that your fitted cabinetry is always in the best shape.
6. Outdoor Space
Most people love homes that open to the outdoors. If you don’t have your own garden, create one on a private balcony by adding potted plants and some outdoor seating. A vertical garden can add some much-needed greenery in compact spaces.
7. Move-In Ready
If you’re trying to rent out a property that’s not in the best shape, you certainly will not find a lot of takers. Tenants are very discerning. You should ensure that your space does not require any repairs, painting or other fixes on day one. Make sure it is spic and span, and that everything works the way it should!
8. Vastu Compliance
Vastu compliance is becoming increasingly important in property management today. Many tenants would want to know that the house they are moving into has the basic tenets of Vastu in place. Sometimes, a few fixes are enough. For example: add a storage unit in the south-west or open up a window on the north-east of your home to make it Vastu compliant.
9. When in Doubt, Go With White
The psychology of colour is very subjective. While you may be fond of bright colours, there is no guarantee that your potential renter will love them. Colours have a huge impact on attitudes and emotions. If you are in doubt, it’s best to play it safe and paint the walls white. Poor paint choices could drive some tenants away and you don’t want that to happen!
10. Flooring Options
A home that’s been rented before could have flooring that’s not in the best shape. If the tiles are scratched, chipped or stained, they should be fixed. A quick installation of wooden laminate flooring over the existing floor could make a world of difference.
11. Pay Attention to the Lighting
Thoughtfully planned artificial lighting can completely transform the aesthetics of your home. Install warm pendant lights above the breakfast counter, soft cove lighting in the TV room, or hidden lights below the staircase treads. All this, and you’ll have yourself a winner!
12. Create an Indoor Garden
If there is a small pocket of space that isn’t really being used, create a little indoor garden. Assemble it with pebbles, a water body and some plants. There are many indoor plants that grow in the shade. You can also set up sun lamps in lieu of actual sunlight. Check out how this designer has totally transformed the space below the stairs in this villa!
A few smart fixes can ensure that your rental home never lies vacant. Get creative, without spending a whole lot of money. The HomeLane team has many more ideas up their sleeve; do connect before you get started!
