The rental market has become increasingly competitive each year. As a landlord, securing long-term passive income requires considering more than just finding a great location and setting a fair price for your properties. You also need to make sure you’re adding amenities that can demand higher rental premiums, reduce your vacancy rates, and protect the value of your investments.
This is rarely an easy balancing act for property owners to get right. You need to have a property that looks great to live in, is comfortable, but most importantly, is built to last. Finding the sweet spot between aesthetics and function can be tricky.
Below, we’ll help you achieve this goal while providing you with some proven strategies for prioritizing property upgrades that really support your tenants’ needs now and in the future.
Focus on Making a Good Impression
That initial “wow” factor that happens when a potential renter walks onto your property can make or break a deal. This is why you should really put focus on not only the design of your property on the inside, but the outside as well.
Clean lines, a calm color palette, modern fixtures, and good lighting all should come together to provide your tenants with a feeling that “they’re home.”. You want the property to look easy to live in, while also highlighting all the great features it has.
The important thing to remember here, though, is that “most” tenants aren’t necessarily looking for prime luxury in their living space. What matters most is that the space is comfortable and has “practical” amenities that can fit their budget. You’ll want to try to avoid chasing design trends that come and go, and can make your property seem out of place fast.
Use Neutral Colors and Tones
You can’t go wrong when choosing colors by selecting neutral tones like white, beige, taupe, and light gray. These help to create a blank canvas for tenants, making it easy for them to imagine their own furniture in the space. These colors also naturally make a room feel bigger and cleaner.
But picking neutral colors and tones doesn’t have to mean boring. You can add personality to the space by adding textures to things that are easy to swap out. This can include:
- Curtains
- Blinds
- Rugs
- Decorative pillows
Choose Timeless Finishes
While it can be fun to update rooms with more modern finishes, you want to be careful that they don’t eventually look dated in a couple of years. To avoid this, try to stick with timeless hardware finishes like matte black, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze. This applies to doors and cabinets as well as certain features on your countertops.
Other areas you can look to when trying to update finishes include your hardwood floors, crown molding, or bathroom and kitchen tile. Make sure these surfaces are always clean and restore any damaged flooring when needed. These surfaces are often a key focal point during showings, and you want to make sure you’re making the right first impression.
Make Sustainable Design Choices
A rental that looks great on day one but falls apart by day 30 is a nightmare for everyone. Your design choices should be durable enough to handle the rigors of everyday life. The good news is that “sustainable” doesn’t need to mean “bland.” The goal, however, is to select materials that are built to last, so you aren’t constantly making repairs.
Choose High Quality Paints
Don’t be afraid to pay a bit extra for a high-quality, scrubbable paint in an eggshell or satin finish. This can be a lifesaver in high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and living rooms. You (and your tenants) will be glad you did when a simple wipe-down removes a scuff instead of requiring a full repaint.
Smart Choices for Kitchens and Baths
Kitchens and bathrooms are high-traffic areas that can take a lot of abuse. For the countertops in these areas, quartz can be a fantastic investment. It resists scratches and stains better than granite or marble, and you never have to seal it. For sinks, try to avoid porcelain, which can chip easily. Stainless steel or composite sinks are much more durable and have a more modern look and feel.
Upgrade Cabinetry Hardware
When it comes to cabinets, soft-close hinges are a great touch that tenants notice and prevent slamming. If the cabinet boxes are in good shape, don’t replace them! A fresh coat of paint and new hardware (handles and knobs) can completely update the look for a fraction of the cost.
Focus on Broad Tenant Appeal
A great property design isn’t just about great looks. It’s also about form and function. Renters typically can’t do major home renovations, so they’re looking for a space that already works for them. They want practical, flexible spaces that make their daily lives easier.
Increase the Amount of Available Storage
Storage is always important, especially in smaller units. This is why you try to look for ways to add more of it. This can include smart shelving, well-designed closets, or pantry cabinets.
Try to make the most use of vertical space in bathrooms and closets. If you’re furnishing a place, get bed frames that have storage underneath. This can be a great space-saver and is often forgotten about when trying to get more storage areas.
Design Multi-Purpose Living Spaces
Open-concept layouts are popular for a reason. With so many people working from home, renters are looking for spaces that can pull double duty. A small nook that can fit a desk, a well-lit corner for reading, or a bedroom that’s big enough for more than just a bed can make your property the clear winner when comparing other rental units.
Consider Adding Pet-Friendly Features
A large number of renters today have pets. If you allow them, you should make this a big selling feature for your property. Highlight your durable LVP floors and scrubbable paints, or any extra yard space you might have. Many times, even showcasing a small patio can be a big perk for someone who owns one or two dogs.
Make Smarter Design Choices for Your Rental Properties
Upgrading a rental property is a balancing act between style and strategy. When you get it right, however, you do more than just make a unit look great. You attract better tenants, reduce your vacancies, and get a better ROI on your investments.
Author Information
Author Name: Rebecca Denis
Author Bio:
Rebecca Denis is the Head of Interior Design at Revive Real Estate and an accomplished interior designer with over a decade of experience creating inspired, functional spaces. Known for her refined aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, Rebecca brings creativity and strategy together to transform everyday interiors into meaningful experiences. She’s built a reputation for turning ideas into inspiring spaces that balance beauty, comfort, and function. Rebecca’s diverse portfolio includes commercial projects, curated show homes, and bespoke custom interiors—each reflecting her belief that thoughtful design can elevate how people live, work, and feel in a space.
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