I have worked in the property industry for over 30 years. Assisting landlords to buy property, advising on the improvement programme and taking the property to the rental market, is all part of the service.
I have often said that I should create a blueprint for new landlords, so here it is! Its design is multifunctional, its simple to follow and will assist you in keeping tabs on both the presentation and the budget. By following a few simple steps, you can give any property a contemporary feel. It’s this ‘feel’ which tenants buy in to. I am confident it will find you the best quality tenants at the best possible rental return.
1. Choose a neutral paint colour which is applicable to the whole property.
We recommend DULUX Endurance POLISHED PEBBLE.
It’s a neutral colour which is presently bang on trend.
2. Stay away from curtains, curtain poles & tracks.
Use white, wooden wide slat (50mm) Venetian blinds.
These give the property a stylish vibe & will fit in with any furnishing. We recommend BLINDS2GO (www.blinds-2go.co.uk) online. You choose the design, pop in the size & they make to measure and are simple to hang.
3. Bare Light bulbs make a property look drab, a few pounds you can individualise a room with a lampshade. A neutral shade which reflects the size and use of the room will make the room complete.
We recommend Dunelm or The Range.
4. Floor coverings are important to give a feeling of warmth. Use a quality laminate on all ground floor accommodation, this will assist with it being easy to clean. For bedrooms, stairs and landing use carpet in the same colour all the way through. Firstly, this will dampen noise transference to neighbours, secondly the continuation of colour will ‘draw the eye’ give the illusion of size & space and finally, occupants are less likely to slip.
We use Home Direct Carpets (www.homedirect-carpets.co.uk) in Rainham precinct (01634 389 342). John is very aware what suits the rental market and will measure & price accordingly. Carpets and laminates should be approaching mid-range prices. Cheap floor coverings will wear quickly and often do not clean up well. You will save pennies at the start, but it may cost you pounds at tenant turnover.
5. If the kitchen in the property needs replacing and you are starting from scratch, the current recommendation is to use white or light grey high shine doors with a colour tile accent. Worktops should be resistant to damage from hot pans, water ingress or any other kitchen mishap.
If the kitchen is dated but in good order you have several options to improve it. You can replace the doors & worktops or look at vinyl wraps, or spray paint finishes to doors. The technology used in the trade to apply these can transform a kitchen in a couple of days. Taps need to be mid-price range. Cheap taps never last, can leak and break easily leaving you with unwanted plumbing bills, they don’t need to be fancy fittings, just modern and fit for purpose.
6. Bathrooms are a make-or-break area of a home. You need a modern white suite with white tiling to all ‘wet wall’ areas. A Shower, whether it's over the bath or in a separate cubicle is practically essential. Ideally it should be an electric shower and run independently of any heating. This means if the heating &/or hot water break down the tenant still has running hot water.
7. A garden shed and washing line in family homes are fairly necessary. If you ask a tenant to maintain a garden it is reasonable for them to need a storage area for a lawnmower and other garden tools.
In the main this blueprint will work for all property types although there will be tweaks for very small or large properties. I am more than happy to discuss individual property needs and the best way to compromise if you are working to a tight budget. Just call me on 01634 37 37 38 or email jacqui.bradshaw@jacksonsproperty.co.uk
