Maximise your Rental Returns with Smart Upgrades

Are you a landlord looking for savvy ways to increase your rental return?

There is a fine line between improvements that can increase rental income and those that simply leave you over-capitalised. But how do you know which is which?

To make it easier for you, CE Property Group Property Manager, Sherrie Dedman has provided a few easy and effective ideas which can make a positive impact:

Gardens and Street Appeal

Not every tenant will have a green thumb, so make sure your garden is low maintenance and easy to keep tidy.

• Consider providing the right tools for the job as not all tenants will have these on hand (think lawn mower, lopper or shears, a good rake and garden hose).
• If you have a garden which requires regular care, make sure this is written in the lease agreement.
• Installing irrigation can seem like a big and potentially expensive job, however, your garden will thank you and your tenants will too.
• Another way to keep the gardens in check is to provide a gardener at key seasonal points as part of the rental.

A garden which looks cared for communicates to tenants that you take pride in your property and it will be clear that you expect the same in return.

Bathroom and Kitchen Essentials

Tenants are often willing to pay slightly more for a property that is clean, fresh and appealing, therefore it’s essential to ensure your property has a clean bathroom and kitchen at the beginning of each new tenancy.

• Apply a lick of semi-gloss or aqua paint between tenants
• Swap out shower curtains and dirty blinds
• Replace lime-scaled shower heads, taps and spouts
• Remove any sign of mould and reapply silicone around sinks and other wet areas
• Make sure the lighting in these areas is bright and efficient with LED light globes that are easy to replace. Some fixtures require specific globes that tenants may struggle to find, so consider supplying spares.

Outdoor Areas

Make your outdoor areas more enticing for tenants by providing extra outdoor living space options.

• If your garden has the space, consider installing some pavers to provide a flat surface for BBQs and seating, or a covered area such as a pergola.
• If your property already has a deck, pergola or verandah, make sure it has been cleaned and checked for safe use. For example, clean and oil an existing deck and check that handrails and balustrades have not become loose.

These tasks can also add value to your property should you decide to sell.

Improve Safety and Efficiency

Tenants want to feel safe and secure in the place they call home.

• You can assist by installing outdoor sensor lights, tamperproof window screens, screen doors and locks, or even an alarm system or security cameras. These don’t need to be expensive items but will go a long way in helping your tenant feel relaxed at home.
• Tenants and landlords alike consider cost saving important. Check the property’s appliances including dishwasher, lighting, heating and cooling and replace them with more energy efficient models if required.
• Finally, ensure your property does not have draughts coming from windows, chimneys or doors and has good insulation.

Whilst there may be a more significant outlay for these items, their inclusion will add value to your property and assist in gaining better rental returns over time.

Maintaining your investment property to ensure it is providing you with the best rental returns can be overwhelming. By appointing CE Property Rentals as your preferred Property Manager, we can provide you with expert advice, guidance and a tailored investment strategy.

Taking the stress out of managing the maintenance, dealing with incoming and outgoing monies, and providing comprehensive inspection reports is just a snippet of what we can offer. We want the best for you, your property and your tenants.

CE Property Rentals, brought to you by CE Property Group provides property management services to the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Barossa Valley and Adelaide's North Eastern suburbs.