With the relative slowing down of the rental market in Edinburgh in 2019, it seems like a good time to take stock of things and address one of the key issues that gets mentioned time and again by current and prospective tenants: The condition of properties. With rental rates rising heavily over the last few years, and demand for rental homes being so large, it’s perhaps been easy to prioritise finding homes for tenants over improving the actual conditions that they live in. Now, more and more tenants are rightly expecting that their homes, or those that they wish to move into, are fit for purpose.
At 1LET we’re making 2019 ‘The year of refurbishment’. These are the key areas that every landlord should look at to ensure that their property is fresh and comfortable for their tenants, and attractive to future tenants.
1. Painting. You would be amazed at the difference a lick of paint can do a flat or house. Tenants often ask if properties can be painted, and there have been demands for all sorts of weird and wacky colours! It may sound obvious but 1Let recommends that properties are painted in bright, neutral colours to ensure that the flat looks it best.
2. Flooring. When was the last time that the carpets in your property were replaced? It’s recommended that they’re changed every (how many?) years to ensure that the property looks clean and attractive. I’ve lost count of the number of times that viewers have been put off renting some beautiful properties because the carpets look old and are frayed at the edges. If your carpets are older then seven years old, it’s time to consider if they should be replaced. Similarly, if you have worn linoleum or tiling in the bathroom or kitchen, they should really be changed.
3. To furnish or not to furnish… that is the question. It’s been a long-standing expectation in Edinburgh that properties should be furnished, and until now, that viewpoint hasn’t really been challenged. However, we’re finding that as more and more people rent, they often collect their own furniture. It’s becoming a very common theme where people ask for new mattresses or beds or ask for them to be taken away as they have their own. It’s not unreasonable for landlords to consider whether they should have any furniture at all. If the old pine chest of drawers is looking battered and scratched, and the living room has an assortment of random tables, perhaps it’s time to consider whether they should be there at all. 1Let are more than happy to offer advice on the best way forward for your property.
4. Bathrooms. In 2019, tenants have an expectation that bathrooms should look modern. There are plenty of properties on the market that still have avocado coloured baths or patterned tiles around the shower. Change those baths to white ones! Remove those tiles, replace them with shower panels and you’ll never need to grout again! Is there an extractor fan? Bathrooms are a huge factor when tenants are deciding where to live- make sure yours is ready for the 2020’s!
5. Windows. If we were asked what the top five questions that tenants ask when viewing a property were, there’s no doubt that ‘Does this property have double glazing?’ would be right up there. In 2019, the environment is a hot topic and many, many tenants are prioritising those properties that have double-glazing over the less energy efficient single-glazed ones. We appreciate that in Edinburgh it’s not quite as simple a task as replacing windows; there are conservation areas to consider. However, if your windows are old and draughty, it’s time to think about changing them. With the changes in regulation regarding Energy Performance Certificates and the levels that they’ll need to be in order to rent, the quality of windows will play a vital part in the letting of your property.
6. Heating. Many properties still have old storage heaters. They’re inefficient, costly and off-putting to tenants. Almost every tenant’s preference is for gas central heating but that’s not always practical or possible. There’s a wide range of energy efficient, modern electric heaters available nowadays- why not let 1Let give you some advice on how best to upgrade yours?
Alan Henderson
Property Manager - 1LET