Investing in a buy-to-let property is beneficial for a multitude of reasons. Earning rental income is usually the main one, but you can also benefit from a diverse portfolio and long-term appreciation, leaving you with a profit if you decide to sell.
But before you welcome your first tenants, you must get both the property and your finances in order. Work with a buy-to-let mortgage advisor to secure the right financing, ensure all legalities are met, and create a solid plan for any necessary renovations. Let’s explore some renovations that are sure to attract quality tenants and maximise your return on investment.
Revamp The Bathroom
Bathrooms are often rooms which can age a property. Outdated décor can look old and unappealing, so many renovators prioritise these areas.
Before you start ripping things out, take some time to assess the room. Bathrooms are susceptible to damp and mould and there may be issues lurking behind tiles or fixtures.
If your budget doesn’t stretch as far as a full remodel, changing the fixtures and fittings can be enough to give the bathroom a new lease of life. Replacing taps or repainting cabinet fronts can help it all look new and fresh for your tenants.
Decorate The Kitchen
A whole new kitchen may not increase your rental yield, so keep your plans realistic. Redecorating is probably the easiest way to help the room look better.
Painting the walls and ceiling is relatively inexpensive and easy to do yourself. You could just refresh the existing colours or change them to fit your preferences. Pistachio green is set to be a trendy colour in 2025 if you want to follow the interior design crowd.
You can also focus on the cabinets and carpentry. A lick of paint would work well here, or you could opt for vinyl wrapping to ensure they are easy to clean – this is helpful if you are planning to rent to families!
Tidy The Entryway
The first thing prospective renters will see is the front of your property, so make sure it is presentable. If you have a front garden, remove any pesky weeds, neatly cut the lawn, and trim and hedges back so pathways aren’t obstructed.
Hiring a good window cleaner will also help to make your house look sparkly and clean, indicating that tenants will be moving into a well-cared-for home. In turn, they are more likely to uphold the standards you set out and keep your property in good condition.
Safety Features
As a landlord, there are several safety standards you must adhere to by law. Whilst this doesn’t strictly fall under the category of renovations, they are required before tenants can move in.
You must have working smoke alarms fitted inside the property. If there are some already in place when you bought it, check to make sure they are working adequately. It is worth noting that rooms with a solid fuel-burning appliance must also have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted as well.
A gas engineer should be employed to check all gas appliances, with further checks occurring on a yearly basis. Once completed, a gas safety certificate should be issued to you, which is then passed on to the tenant upon moving.
