Appliances and features to make properties stand out to tenants

[edit] Introduction

Do you want to ensure that tenant demands in your property (or prospective flat) stay at a steady flow? Take a look at this checklist of some of the important items, amenities and appliances that you should make sure your property has.

[edit] Reliable internet connection

A solid, reliable internet connection is an absolute necessity. Many young people will surprisingly value this resource as a large contributing factor to their move. A good place to start would be by running a coverage checker in your area from one of the many broadband providers.

If looking into student accommodation, take inspiration from the city-centre apartments and studio flats from investment companies such as RW Invest. Their efficient, space-saving designs take into consideration the hectic schedule of the student and young professional demographic - interconnected and with minimalist décor.

Top Tip – this one is particularly important for those with a property that has multiple rooms, or one with thick walls. Once broadband has been successfully installed, with routers and hubs set up, make sure the in-home signal is strong enough. This can be checked using a computer, or even a smartphone app called ‘SpeedTest’.

There’s nothing worse than having patchy or inconsistent internet, and so if it appears the performance is better in some rooms than others then it might be worth installing some quick solutions. Wi-Fi boosters are relatively cheap and boost the internet signal around the property to help it reach the far corners of each room, and powerline adapters can be a great help in creating separated pockets of the internet for those with multiple tenants (and thus devices) living under one roof.

[edit] White Goods

As a general rule of thumb for apartments and rental properties, amenities and fixtures such as fridges, washing machines and so on are not required, but they should be. For a lot of tenants, having the apartment furnished and ready to be lived in from day one is an attractive prospect, as it takes some of the pressure off moving. Additionally, having control of specific appliances rather than ones purchased by the tenant can ensure a level of quality and reduce the risk of damage from unexpected breakdowns, as well as ensure a better understanding of warranty terms and safety.

[edit] Smart tech

Having advanced electronics and fancy bells and whistles may not seem as much of a priority as some of the other things, but it is a great way of showing potential tenants that the property has modern trimmings. Smart lighting and home integration are impressive features to demo during a viewing, and modern security additions will give tenants peace of mind in a new location. Investing in this sort of thing initially will increase the cost, but it will also showcase the property as 'premium' to tenants.

Tip – if it is possible to install them, eco-friendly alternative energy sources such as solar panels can not only save landlords some money in the long term, but they can reduce bills and entice tenants.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Break clauses in leases.
• Comparable rent accusations.
• Ground rent.
• How to evict a tenant.
• Landlord.
• Lease Negotiations - Tenants Checklist.
• Leasehold.
• Leasehold covenants.
• Property guardianship.
• Rent.
• Rent-free period.
• Rent in administration.
• Rent review.
• Sample retail lease.
• Security of tenure.
• Service charge.
• Short term lets.
• Statutory declaration excluding security of tenure.
• Tenancy deposit protection.
• Tenant.
• Vacant possession.