Small Changes, Big Impact: Simple Cosmetic Improvements Prior To Letting Your Property 

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Prior to bringing your letting property to the market, consider some simple cosmetic, low-cost, high-impact improvements to your residential property to increase its appeal to prospective tenants. 

Herbert and Lansdowne will make a site visit to your property and can provide in-person advice on presenting your property and on minimum standards, at the rental valuation appraisal. Always be mindful of your obligations as a landlord with regard to meeting minimum legal standards with regard to your rental property. 

First Things First – De-Cluttering & Storage

• At a basic level, ensure your property is fully de-cluttered and well presented to the market, allowing prospective renters to picture themselves living in the space.

• Remove excess furniture from the property and remove any personal belongings.
  • Keep shelves, wardrobes and counters relatively clear to create a sense of space. 
  • Don’t leave valuables or sentimental items in the property, as tenants may not realise the significance and loss or damage of the item may occur. 

• Next consider the current level of storage space in the house or apartment you are planning to let. Adding additional storage space (temporary or built-in) can make the property more functional and appealing.

Decor & Presentation 

• Painting – freshly painting rooms in your property is one of the most high-impact immediate cosmetic upgrades you can make as a prospective landlord.Think neutral colours to emphasise the sense of space and light in your rental property! 
• Presentation – make good use of rugs, cushions, framed prints, mirrors, throws on sofas etc. to dress the property. 

• Deep Clean – carrying out an extensive deep-clean not only enhances the property initially but also sets a standard for how you would like the property maintained, potentially saving you money in the future on expenses. 

Appliances

• Ensure all appliances are in good working order, with manuals available for tenants if available (see our guide to minimum standards) and replace old or damaged appliances, especially in areas such as the kitchen or living room. Choose high-quality and durable appliances to reduce costly replacement costs during rental.

Lighting & Fittings

Lighting can have a significant impact on how a property looks and feels, particularly during viewings. 

Replace dated fittings with simpler, more contemporary alternatives. Where appropriate, consider introducing recessed downlights in areas such as kitchens, hallways and bathrooms to create a cleaner, more modern finish. Opt for energy-efficient lighting where possible to reduce energy and running costs of your property, making it more attractive to prospective tenants.

Remember also that consistent lighting throughout the property, rather than a mixture of different bulb colours and styles, can make rooms feel brighter.

It is also worth reviewing smaller fittings such as light switches, sockets, door handles and cupboard handles. Replacing particularly dated or worn fittings is a relatively low-impact upgrade that can help give the property a fresher and more contemporary overall appearance.

Furnishings

• Depending on your target market, investing in new furnishings may help position your property more effectively for prospective tenants. High-quality, contemporary furnishings, for example, can be particularly important when targeting corporate tenants or young professionals.
• Expenses such as furniture and fittings are also a tax deductible expense for landlords in Ireland. As part of a detailed appraisal, the Herbert & Lansdowne lettings team can give you a detailed list of what should/should not be included. 

Outdoor

If your property has an outdoor space or garden consider small improvements to make your property more inviting to would-be tenants!

• For example, ensure grass and hedges are property trimmed.  
  • For minimal effort, introduce colour to your garden or balcony, prior to viewings, with small bedding plants or consider planting low maintenance plants such as grasses for year-round interest and foliage. 
  • Containers are also a great way to instantly boost the visual appeal of a balcony, patio, front door or small garden. Again consider including low maintenance plants such as shrubs or grasses , paired with plants in-season for maximum impact for upcoming viewings. 

Finally, prior to viewings, consider the final touches such as indoor plants, door mats, fresh towels and even additional paintings to fully show off your property!!

If you are considering letting your property for the first time, or are an existing landlord, Herbert & Lansdowne can provide you with a list of recommended upgrades and improvements for your property once inspected, and can also advise you on potential additional larger and more strategic upgrades to your property; as well as your separate regulatory, legal and financial obligations as a landlord. 

Contact the Lettings team today at Herbert and Lansdowne for an initial advisory consultation.

The above is not an exhaustive list for landlords. Prior to letting your property,  you will also need to make yourself aware of separate applicable regulatory, legal, insurance and taxation rules for you as a landlord in Ireland and your responsibilities under same. 

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment or other advice.