How to Improve Rental Property Curb Appeal

If you are a landlord, you want your property to look appealing to renters so they can picture themselves living there. And while the interior is always more important, the exterior makes the first impression and sets the mood.

Having great curb appeal can work wonders for attracting a diverse range of residents and filling vacant units quickly. At the same time, it also allows you to demand higher rental rates.

If all this sounds appealing to you, read on. You will learn various strategies to boost your curb appeal, ranging from landscaping and lighting upgrades to property repairs and maintenance. Not every step is costly, but every step matters, so read along.

Add Landscaping to the Front

Nothing is better than a clean and uncluttered front yard. Trimm any overgrown bushes and trees, remove weeds, and give the lawn good mowing.

You should mow your lawn at least once a week. The best time to mow your lawn is in the middle of the morning when the grass is dry. If you miss that, mow in the late afternoon after 4:00 p.m.

Afterwards, add colourful flowers and plants to flower beds and install some window box planters.

Research and purchase low-maintenance plants that thrive in your local climate so you’d spend as less time on them as possible. Consider using a weed killer for persistent weeds that grow back within a day or so.

Upgrade the Lighting

Your curb appeal must remain attractive during the day and at night.

Fortunately, many cost-effective, eco-friendly, energy-efficient LED lights exist for all budgets. You can purchase something that doesn’t break the bank and still adds a touch of elegance to your garden.

Place your newly purchased lights along the entryway and pathways and a few near architectural features or landscaping elements. That will add more visibility to the exterior and highlight certain elements.

Add Bold and Visible Numbers

They will help your property stand out from the rest, so opt for bold numbers that contrast with the background colour of your property. They must be visible from the street, as these numbers will help visitors, mail carriers, and emergency services find you more easily.

This small addition can make a big difference in the overall polish and professionalism of your property’s exterior. Ensuring that your property numbers are easily readable enhances your rental property’s functionality and curb appeal.

Make Repairs

Inspect your property’s exterior regularly for any wear and tear signs, like chipped paint, damaged siding, or broken windows. Plan accordingly if any exterior repairs need to be made to your plumbing or electrical system are required.

The sooner you discover and tackle each problem, the better because it will be easier and faster to repair. It will also cost less, as the deterioration has not spread yet.

Sometimes you might need to call professionals to tackle this or that problem since you can’t fix absolutely everything yourself. You might consider building a list of technicians and companies each specialising in one or several repair types. This will make it much easier later on when you have renters.

Update the Walkway and Mailbox

The condition of the walkway leading up to your rental property and the mailbox can greatly influence its curb appeal.

Repair uneven surfaces and any cracks on the walkway, and consider upgrading it with aesthetically pleasing materials, such as pavers or natural stone. This can create a lasting impression by adding a touch of elegance.

Additionally, ensure the mailbox is in good condition, free from rust or damage. You might even give it a fresh coat of paint if you have the time and passion. On the other hand, if the mailbox can’t be saved or will require too much time and effort, just purchase a new one.

Perform Property Repairs and Maintenance

Regular property maintenance and repair are key to preserving curb appeal and maximising the longevity of your rental property.

Establish a schedule for that purpose that includes tasks such as gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and exterior painting. Regularly inspect and maintain your property’s landscaping, including lawn care, pruning, and seasonal planting. Staying on top of maintenance tasks prevents issues from escalating and ensures that your property maintains its visual appeal.

Systematic property maintenance also extends to the interior of your rental property. This includes addressing necessary repairs, touching up paint, and ensuring all appliances and fixtures are properly working.

Taking care of your home regularly and modernising it when needed enhances the overall appeal and demonstrates your commitment to providing your tenants with a comfortable and functional living environment.

Cleanliness

A clean exterior creates an inviting and attractive image, making potential tenants more inclined to explore the property further. A nice and orderly property demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to high standards.

It shows potential tenants that you take pride in your property and prioritise their comfort and well-being. This attention to cleanliness creates an impression of professionalism and reliability, which can instil confidence in potential tenants.

A cleaned exterior gives the property a fresh and vibrant look, making it stand out among other competing properties.

When potential renters see a clean and well-maintained property, they associate it with quality and a higher standard of living. This perception can influence their willingness to pay higher rental rates, as they recognise the added value that comes with a clean and well-kept property.

So, you can either clean it yourself or use endof-tenancy cleaning services, but whatever you do, don’t skip this part.

How Can Curb Appeal Increase Profits

Investing in the curb appeal of your rental property will bring tremendous benefits. You will:

1. Attract higher-quality tenants. A well-maintained and visually appealing rental property is more likely to attract responsible and reliable tenants. When potential tenants see that you prioritise the appearance and condition of your property, they perceive it as a desirable place to live. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of attracting tenants who will be great property custodians and also pay their rent on time.
2. Commanding higher rental rates. Properties with excellent curb appeal have a competitive edge in the rental market. When tenants have multiple options, they are more inclined to choose an attractive, well-maintained property. By investing in curb appeal, you can justify higher rental rates. Tenants often are willing to pay more for a property that offers a visually pleasing and inviting living environment.
3. Reducing Vacancy Rates. Properties with poor curb appeal often experience long periods of vacancy. When your property lacks visual appeal, potential tenants may overlook it in favour of more attractive alternatives. By investing in curb appeal, you can attract a larger pool of interested tenants, reducing vacancy periods and ensuring a consistent rental income stream.
4. Positive referrals and tenant retention. Tenants who are proud of their living environment are more likely to refer their friends and relatives to your rental property. A well-maintained and visually appealing property creates a positive reputation, increasing word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, tenants who enjoy their living experience are more likely to renew their leases, reducing turnover costs and ensuring a steady rental income.
5. Higher property value. Curb appeal improvements can significantly increase the value of your rental property. When your property looks attractive, is well-maintained, and everything works as it should, its market value tends to rise. This can ensure your profit should you decide to sell the property or refinance it in the future.

Conclusion

Investing in the curb appeal of your rental property can yield tremendous benefits, both in attracting high-quality tenants and maximising your profits.

A visually appealing and well-maintained property creates a positive first impression and entices potential tenants to envision themselves living there. By prioritising curb appeal, you can attract a wider range of interested renters, reduce vacancy rates and ensure a consistent rental income stream.

Moreover, a well-maintained property allows you to command higher rental rates, as tenants perceive it as a desirable place to live. Positive referrals, tenant retention, and increased property value are additional advantages of enhancing curb app