Here’s your ultimate guide to making the best possible first impression with your would-be tenants. “How to prepare your property for viewings” has everything you need to know to make your property as appealing as possible.
Right now, in Property Moves’ opinion, it’s a bit of a buyer’s market out there. Or rather, a renter’s one.
In other words, well-looked-after properties will have a competitive edge, both now and most likely in the future.
Would you like to be a much better-than-average landlord, potentially to benefit from higher yields?
Get It Right, Right Now
You’ll want to attract and keep the best people possible, so it’s vital to offer a space that’s clean, safe, and clutter-free.
Also, de-personalised.
Why? Because this way, they’ll have the chance to make their own mark and feel properly at home. Remember, the Renters’ Rights Act, which kicks in from May this year, insists that you, yes YOU, must be a professional, legitimate landlord – or face fines, or worse.
Let’s start now.
Furnished or unfurnished, your excellence in property ownership begins right this minute.
It’s not The Ritz, but what would you want to see if the landlord-tenant situation were reversed?
In effect, this is your homework and try to get it done before one of our Directors comes round to value it. Let alone when we show someone round. And, most certainly do accept our feedback. (Watch out for our next blog about this, coming soon.) Flats and houses in Brighton and Hove with high-standard structural layout and decoration command higher rents; it’s as simple as that.
For ease of reference, we’ll assume the property is empty. With in-place tenants, there’s a slightly different approach – but the same rules more or less apply.
Get in touch with Property Moves for some exceptionally practical, valuable and ultra-useful advice on this crucial topic.
Let’s start with some basics.
Safety First – Plus Paperwork
Safety is paramount. We’ll advise you on ALL the below, but for reference:
You have a legal duty to keep your tenants safe, and every year or so, legislation in this area gets tighter. You will need to:
- Ensure your tenants have a valid Gas Safety Certificate (known as a CP12) when they move in.
- Make sure the electrical system is safe and up to date. You’ll need a professional to inspect the electrical installations every five years. And, you have to provide a copy of the documentation to your tenants, and the local authority if requested.
- Provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which, as the name suggests, reveals how energy-efficient the property is.
- Follow fire safety regulations, including installing a smoke alarm on each floor, providing instant access to escape routes, and using fire-safe furnishings.
- Ensure your new tenants have a How to Rent document when they move in.
Right, so the viewing has been booked. Now it’s time to think about those all-important first impressions.
- From the Outside In
If there’s a front garden, now is the time to look at it with a critical eye. The hedges may need a trim, perhaps there’s some weeding to be done, maybe the path leading to the property could do with a jet wash – if you have one.
- Clean, Neat and Tidy
Less is more.
Please do focus on decluttering.
A feeling of general disorder will remove the property from the must-have list within three seconds. Maximise that space. And, clear all the surfaces to enable applicants to “see” their own belongings there.
Walk into each room and see it with fresh eyes. Then, be ruthless. You know you need to, so it may as well be now.
If you hear that your property looks “lived in”, please believe us: this is not a compliment.
Likewise, cleanliness. Professional cleaners appear to have magic powers over and above the rest of us. They’ll do a top-to-toe clean the likes of which you will never have seen before. It’s a service well worth investing in.
Kitchens:
- Clean appliances inside and out
- Surfaces must be immaculate
- Spotless floors
Bathrooms:
- Remove limescale
- Clean showers and baths until they gleam
- Replace the shower curtain
- Scrub the fixtures and fittings
Kitchens and bathrooms make a significant impact on how visitors will judge the property.
Maybe the windows could use a spruce-up, too.
Landlords aren’t obliged to allow pets by default, but upcoming legislation (Renters’ Rights Act again) requires you to consider reasonable requests. The downside is that their presence could generate more redecorating than you’d expected.
- Deal with Repairs
This sounds obvious, but don’t leave any outstanding repairs for “another time”; things will only get worse and could even become a safety hazard.
- Perfect Presentation
Are the carpets in good condition? And the walls? OK, let’s talk colours:
Regarding décor, we understand that you may wish to avoid landlord beige – quite frankly, who wouldn’t – but also be wary of a too-bold colour scheme.
Some feature walls could work, but if in doubt think neutral throughout.
In general, transfer your spending towards the kitchen. Simply, everyone loves a kitchen, and it can make or break a tenancy viewing. A decent-quality cooker and fridge, as well as plenty of work surface and well-laid-out fixtures and fittings, can look super-appealing.
Two words: plug sockets. Are there enough?
Also, may we mention livable furniture? Decent stuff? Large black office chairs in an otherwise comfortable lounge are just a bit wrong.
- Storage
A typical tenant complaint is that there is never enough storage.
Actually, everyone feels like this!
Some clever shelving, practical cupboard space and even a few attractive storage units could help sway someone’s decision.
Some other top tips:
- Open the windows in summer
- Put on the heating in winter
- Keep the curtains and blinds open during the day to create a pleasant, light-filled atmosphere. If it’s a dark and gloomy day, switch on a couple of soft lamps for instant warmth and atmosphere.
- Fresh flowers look lovely, but maybe avoid the “just brewed coffee” cliché.
Make Your Life Easier
So, there you are. Some handy hints to appeal to your future dream-team tenants.
The rental property experts here at Property Moves are happy to offer you the support you need, making your life easier and ensuring you remain compliant. We can organise viewings for you, vet applicants, and answer any questions they may have.
As a first-time landlord there’s a lot to do, and a LOT to know. Let us do the hard work for you.