Maximising Your Rental Appeal in a Competitive Market

Being compliant with legislation is essential. But if your property isn’t attractive to tenants, it won’t matter how up to date your certificates are — it could still sit empty.

With the rental market growing more competitive and tenants becoming more discerning, landlords must look beyond basic functionality and ask: “Would I want to live here?”

In this guide, we explore practical, cost-effective ways to maximise your rental property’s appeal — not just to fill it quickly, but to secure high-quality tenants who stay longer and treat the home as their own.

Why Presentation Matters More Than Ever

Tenant expectations have risen. Thanks to online portals, tenants can compare dozens of listings in minutes. If your property looks tired or dated, it may be skipped over — no matter how fairly it’s priced.

Great presentation isn’t about luxury. It’s about clean, modern, comfortable spaces that look cared for.

Benefits of investing in appeal include:

Easy Wins That Make a Big Impact

1. Fresh Paint in Neutral Colours: A fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest ways to transform a room. Stick to modern, light neutrals like soft greys or off-whites. These brighten spaces and help tenants visualise living there.

2. Upgrade Light Fixtures: Old, yellowed fixtures date a property instantly. Swapping them for simple, modern designs improves both appearance and energy efficiency.

3. Flooring Matters: Worn carpets or chipped vinyl can turn tenants away. Consider durable laminate in high-traffic areas, and keep flooring consistent throughout to create flow.

4. Clean and Tidy Outdoor Space: Whether it’s a small yard, garden, or balcony — tidy it up. Remove weeds, jet wash paths, and add low-maintenance plants. A usable outdoor space is a major bonus.

5. Kitchen and Bathroom Touch-Ups: You don’t need to replace everything. Re-grout tiles, replace sealant, install new cabinet handles, or upgrade taps. Small updates here can completely refresh the space.

6. Boost Broadband Readiness: Fast, reliable internet is a necessity, not a luxury. If fibre is available, make sure it’s installed or at least ready to go.

7. Increase Security: Modern tenants value safety. Install robust locks, consider a video doorbell, and ensure external lighting is functional. These upgrades also help you meet insurance criteria.

Modern Living Expectations

Today’s tenants are looking for more than just a roof over their heads. Consider how your property stacks up against the following expectations:

Staging for Marketing Photos

Online first impressions matter. Many landlords undervalue the power of a good photo. You don’t need a professional shoot (although it helps), but you should:

Great photos attract more enquiries, reduce time on the market, and can justify a slightly higher rent.

Tenant Communication and Responsiveness

A landlord’s reputation travels fast, especially via online reviews or tenant groups. Being approachable, responsive, and fair goes a long way.

Key habits that improve appeal:

A good property manager or letting agent can help maintain this standard, especially if you’re managing multiple properties.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: Over personalising the Decor- Avoid bold wallpaper or colours. Keep things neutral to appeal to the widest audience.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Smells- Lingering odours from pets, smoke, or damp can be deal-breakers. Deep clean and ventilate well before viewings.

Mistake #3: Overpricing- Setting rent too high might leave the property sitting vacant. Check comparable listings and aim for market value.

Mistake #4: Underinvesting in Maintenance- A single dripping tap or broken blind can suggest you don’t care about the property. Fix minor issues before advertising.

Longer-Term Appeal Strategies

Energy Efficiency Improvements: Not only does this help with compliance, but it also saves tenants money — making your property more desirable. EPC rating C is fast becoming the new standard.

Quality Fixtures: Invest in long-lasting fittings (especially in kitchens and bathrooms). They wear better and reduce maintenance.

Flexible Tenancy Terms: Offering options for furnished/unfurnished or accommodating pets can increase your tenant pool.

Modern Tech: Smart meters, video doorbells, or USB charging sockets add modern convenience at low cost.

Final Thoughts: Think Like a Tenant

Maximising appeal isn’t about overspending. It’s about smart presentation, good maintenance, and keeping up with what modern renters actually want.

Put yourself in a tenant’s shoes. Would you be happy to move in tomorrow? If not, fix what’s holding your property back.

In a competitive rental market, landlords who invest in appeal enjoy:

Don’t wait until the property sits empty. Start enhancing its appeal today — and reap the benefits tomorrow.

Ready to take the next step? Click here to explore our consultation options and connect with one of our property experts today.

What will happen to the property market in 2020?

House prices increased by an average 33.7% in the last decade and despite being relatively flat over the last couple of years, due to the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, are set to rise by a further 15.3%, according to latest predictions, in the next 5 years. However, there are likely to be significant regional differences with properties in the North of England expected to see the strongest price growth of 24% between 2020 and 2024. Central London properties are also set for a rebound with predictions of 20% growth and only 5% growth in Greater London.

 

According to Rightmove, the property market will increase by 2% in 2020. But that a lack of supply, with demand remaining high, could push prices higher. Added to which, low interest rates, lenders competing to lend, high unemployment and a continued growth in wages, helps buyer affordability.

 

So, if you are planning on buying  or renting a property in 2020, how will this impact you?

 

  1. House prices are forecast to grow by 2% in 2020, but stocks are expected to remain low. So, if you are thinking of buying, now is the time to get your property on the market, so that you're ready to move when the right property comes along. If you're renting, the number of letting properties are likely to remain low, which could prompt an increase in prices.
  2. First-time buyers. Schemes such as The Lifetime ISA, will help people raise the deposit required to buy a property. Which typically can be up to 20%. The good news is that interest rates are expected to remain low, which will make mortgages more affordable.
  3. Brexit. After the UK leaves the European Union on January the 31st, there will be some uncertainty surrounding the housing market. Currently confidence levels are high, so the 'Boris effect' may help property prices remain buoyant. A weak pound however, could encourage more overseas investors entering the market as this makes UK property relatively inexpensive.

Buying and selling over Christmas

Think you need to avoid selling your property over Christmas? Think again. Potential buyers have more time over Christmas and, according to Rightmove, the Christmas period and particularly Boxing Day, is one of the busiest of the year, with people searching for a new home.

 

So, what do you need to do to maximise a potential sale over Christmas?

 

  1. Make sure your property is visible online and listed with all the major property portals.
  2. Winter viewings. There's something quite special about a property dressed with Christmas decorations. Stepping into a warm house, with the light of a fire and twinkling lights can show off a property at its best. Helping prospective buyers visualise living there.
  3. Serious buyers. People house hunting over Christmas are more likely to want to complete early in the New Year. You'll get a greater proportion of motivated buyers, looking to agree a sale.
  4. Plan ahead. Don't leave putting your property on the market too close to Christmas. Whilst your home will look attractive  with Christmas decorations, you want to ensure the photos of your property are taken before the decorations are put up.
  5. Ready for the New Year. Once Christmas is out of the way, there is a traditional New Year rush, as families make the decision to move over the Christmas period. Getting your property listed before Christmas ensure you are ready to make the best of this busy time of year.

 

If you need advice about selling over Christmas, contact us today.