Decorating rental properties

Investing in property is getting more and more popular, and is an ideal project for the DIY enthusiast. There are also many people who rent out their homes for a year or two whilst they travel around the world or work abroad. However, when it comes to decorating or preparing a property to rent out- totally different rules apply..

Decor

You musn’t forget that it’s not you who is going to live in the property, so you shouldn’t decorate it according to your own taste. Styles and finishes you adore may well be hated by someone else. Trendy or strong décor statements might put off potential tenants. It’s better to aim for a natural and neutral scheme. I know this sounds rather dull, but most people find this sort of look acceptable and easy to live with. Use earthy, muted colours, then add contemporary (but not too modern) furniture and simple finishes. People do like to feel at home even if they rent – so give them the opportunity to add their own final details.

Budget

Before you commit yourself to investing in property, make sure you have a good buy-to-let mortgage. You should always have a budget for remodelling or redecorating and try not to go over it. Remember that you should not spend more than 10% of the property’s value on remodelling. It’s easy to get carried away and sometimes necessary and/or unforeseen works will push your original budget to the limit. You can save lots of money by doing it yourself as much as possible, and buying appliances, materials & fittings online or at the sales. Always shop for “good value” goods – don’t be fooled by brands and trendy items – they aren’t always the best. But also be wary of very cheap items – they won’t last long, which means future hassles for you. It’s best to do online research before you buy things – particularly appliances.

Practicalities

This is one of the most important factors when (re)decorating rental properties and the one is so often overlooked. Those who rent don’t take care of their homes in the same way as those who live in their own property. So make sure you use materials and finishes that are easy to clean, maintain or change when the tenants move out – such as wooden or laminated floors in living areas; ceramic tiles & vinyl floors in bathrooms& kitchen; wipeable paint all over; washable textiles etc. Don’t assume your tenants understand how things work around the house – leave clear instructions as to how to switch off the water stopcock, the gas meter & the electrical consumer unit as well as all the manuals for the built-in appliances.

Safety

When you decorate buy-to-let properties, you must make sure that all renovating works are carried out according to building regulations. You must furnish the property with furniture and textiles that are fireproof. Most real estate agents will advise you not to leave electric appliances in the property (iron, TV etc) because should they brake down (for whatever reason) you’ll have to replace them. It’s probably a good idea to take out rental insurance.

If you want to invest in property, find a good buy to let mortgage!