Strategic renter-friendly upgrades are what you need to maintain the relevance of your apartments in the 21st century. Most importantly, they help boost your property’s potential and appeal to attract quality tenants and increase ROI. In this article, we focus on the top five apartment upgrades that attract quality renters and maximize rental income.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is a critical factor in creating a great first impression on potential tenants. Unkempt outdoors can give renters the impression of poor property maintenance and influence their interest before they even think of getting inside.
Choosing a new roof is one impactful way to enhance your apartment’s curb appeal. By replacing that worn-out, leaky, and sagging roof, your property can look as good as new. Work on your landscaping by adding new mulch, trimming hedges, maintaining a neat lawn, and more to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere and demonstrate meticulous care.
Revitalize the exterior walls with a fresh coat of paint consisting of modern, neutral colors. Also, work on minor repairs, like substituting old mailboxes, fixing broken fences, and installing inviting exterior lighting.
Integrate Technology
Rental properties with smart home technology integration, digital maintenance requests, and online rent collection stand out in the market today. Integrating features such as keyless entry systems, security cameras, outdoor motion lights, video doorbells, and smart thermostats can help propel your apartments into the modern age and make them more appealing to tech-savvy renters.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
With energy efficiency becoming a top priority for property investors and tenants alike, investing in modern, energy-efficient appliances can undoubtedly increase the property’s marketability. It positions the apartment as a premium living space that justifies higher rent prices. Energy-efficient washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators utilize minimal water and electricity compared to older and outdated options, lowering utility costs for renters.
The cost-saving benefit can be a solid selling point, especially if utility expenses are a notable concern for tenants in your area. You will also win prospects who are looking for sustainable living solutions to lower their carbon footprint, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce energy waste.
Embrace Modern Flooring
Set the right tone and ambiance in your rental apartment with modern flooring. Modern discerning tenants prefer luxury vinyl, hardwood, and laminate flooring due to their ability to blend durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance.
While hardwood floors might have a significant cost implication for landlords, they have a timeless appeal and a classic, trendy look. They are also durable and ideal for higher-end rentals.
On the other hand, laminate flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood that enables you to achieve a natural wood look without a hefty price tag. Modern laminate floors are designed in an array of finishes and styles and are highly resistant to wear, tear, and scratches. Luxury vinyl flooring also stands out due to its incredible water resistance, durability, and design versatility.
Install Water-Saving Features
Most tenants seek to save on utility bills, including water bills. Swap out outdated kitchen and bathroom faucets with low-flow fixtures. Such fixtures regulate the amount of water that flows through them, which translates to less wastage in terms of water and money. Consider investing in high-efficiency toilets, pressure-reducing valves, performance showerheads, and a hot water recirculation pump.
While you can find numerous apartments in an area, what makes the difference in drawing quality tenants and increasing ROI are the kind of upgrades available. You can use these tips to make your rental properties gain a competitive edge in the real estate market.