WHY ‘KERB APPEAL’ IS IMPORTANT IN THE LETTINGS MARKET

In the world of residential sales, the term ‘kerb appeal’ is well understood: it is about making a home instantly appealing to prospective buyers by presenting it in the best light and creating the best possible first impression.

In recent years, when demand has far outstripped supply in the rental market, the concept has perhaps not been seen as quite so important.  That market is now becoming rather more balanced, but even if this were not the case, there is considerable merit in taking measures to improve kerb appeal when marketing a rental home to new tenants.

The changing regulatory environment means that attracting the highest quality tenants is more important than ever.  With extended notice periods and a more litigious system for regaining possession, ensuring that you appeal to those who will take care of your property and be as close as possible to ‘model tenants’ is now a priority.  And that means competing for them, just as those selling houses must compete for buyers.

Spring is a very good time to undertake these cosmetic-improving tasks.  Simple steps such as refreshing paintwork and repairing worn fixtures can significantly change the initial impression of a home, often without the need to spend large amounts of time or money.

At this time of year outside space takes a higher priority on tenants’ wish lists, and a simple garden makeover can work wonders for the desirability and kerb appeal of a home.

Likewise, after an extremely wet winter, fixing broken fittings and seeing to damp patches will signify to prospective tenants that you are a landlord who will look after their home.

Other key areas to consider include tackling mould and condensation in bathrooms and kitchens; making sure that the boiler and heating system serving is up to date; repairing gutters and drainage pipes; replacing missing tiles in roofs; and clearing blocked drains.

Not only will all of this ensure that you property is kept in good order, and that small issues don’t morph into major problems further down the line, but crucially it will signify to high-quality tenants – the very ones it is increasingly important to attract – that yours is the kind of property they will want to make their home.  What’s more, they will be encouraged to maintain that home in good order if it starts out that way.

The legal implementation of the Decent Homes standard for private rental properties may have been kicked down the road, but there are many good reasons to adopt the standard voluntarily now, making sure your property has that magic kerb appeal.