With the UK private rented sector continuing to grow, landlords must work harder to get ahead of the competition. This means that you will need to do everything you possibly can to attract the best prospective tenants.
And, while the criteria might change depending on whether you are letting to short or long-term tenants, there are some factors that most tenants will take into account when searching for a rental property.
A recent study by Zoopla revealed that UK tenants prioritised their car over their own comfort, with ‘parking’ being the top keyword in Zoopla’s property search tool. This was closely followed by a ‘garage’.
‘Pets’ also appeared high on the list, being the third most searched keyword entered by would-be tenants – up from fifth place last year. ‘Furnished’ was the fourth most popular term, while ‘garden’ completed the top five keywords.
Finding properties that accept ‘student’ tenants was the sixth most searched term, followed by properties with ‘bills included’. Surprisingly, a ‘balcony’ came eighth, followed by ‘bungalow’ and a ‘detached’ home.
With these latest findings in mind, here at Bryan & Keegan we outline other top factors that potential tenants are likely to consider when renting a home in Brockley, Hither Green and other south-east London areas.
A contemporary home
Today’s prospective tenants favour modern fixtures and fittings. If your interior is looking dated, consider sprucing it up to make the space more attractive, such as a fresh lick of paint and other small enhancements.
Keep in mind, though, that renters like to make the space their own, which is easier to do with a blank canvas. Consider neutral colours when decorating to amplify any natural light in the home.
Parking and garages
From the research above, it’s clear that parking and garages are extremely popular requirements for tenants, appearing first and second in the keyword rankings.
According to research from the British Parking Association, the average motorist in the UK spends 91 hours (nearly four days) every year looking for parking spaces.
This underlines the fact that parking of any kind – particularly off-street parking – will boost the value of almost any rental property. As a landlord, consider creating or enhancing existing parking, if possible.
High speed internet
We live in an increasingly connected world, so it’s no surprise that high speed internet is on the radar for most prospective tenants. Whether for work or leisure, renters value a decent internet speed. Fortunately, this is a given in most south London areas.
Tenants will also be impressed by added extras in the home, such as Sky TV, underfloor heating and other modern appliances.
A pet-friendly home
Tenants may still consider a rental property that is pet-friendly, even if they don’t have a pet when they move in.
A rental home that allows pets appeared in the top three most searched property features in Zoopla’s study, underlining how much of a pet-loving nation the UK is. If you go against the ‘no pet’ policy, your pool of potential renters could broaden significantly.
However, it’s also important to remember that employing a pet-friendly approach does come with certain risks and could increase the chances of damage being an issue.
Transport links
Properties that are near bus and tube stations will almost certainly prove to be more attractive to potential renters, so you will need to highlight strong transport links when you come to let your property.
For example, Brockley and Hither Green – the areas that we’re based in – have direct trains to London Bridge, taking just under 20 minutes. As many renters tend to commute these days, it’s worth mentioning how well-connected your area is.
A reliable landlord
Lastly, even if your property has all of these factors covered, tenants may still hesitate on choosing your rental property if they can’t gauge how you are as a landlord.
So, you want to ensure that you are friendly and attentive, responding to requests or enquiries promptly and professionally. In doing so, you will be more likely to hold onto your tenants for the long term with the help of your letting agent.
At Bryan & Keegan, we aim to guide you through the letting process. For more information on our services, why not contact our Brockley, Hither Green and Park Lane offices?
Additionally, to find out how much you could be charging in rent, check out our instant online valuation tool.
And, while the criteria might change depending on whether you are letting to short or long-term tenants, there are some factors that most tenants will take into account when searching for a rental property.
A recent study by Zoopla revealed that UK tenants prioritised their car over their own comfort, with ‘parking’ being the top keyword in Zoopla’s property search tool. This was closely followed by a ‘garage’.
‘Pets’ also appeared high on the list, being the third most searched keyword entered by would-be tenants – up from fifth place last year. ‘Furnished’ was the fourth most popular term, while ‘garden’ completed the top five keywords.
Finding properties that accept ‘student’ tenants was the sixth most searched term, followed by properties with ‘bills included’. Surprisingly, a ‘balcony’ came eighth, followed by ‘bungalow’ and a ‘detached’ home.
With these latest findings in mind, here at Bryan & Keegan we outline other top factors that potential tenants are likely to consider when renting a home in Brockley, Hither Green and other south-east London areas.
A contemporary home
Today’s prospective tenants favour modern fixtures and fittings. If your interior is looking dated, consider sprucing it up to make the space more attractive, such as a fresh lick of paint and other small enhancements.
Keep in mind, though, that renters like to make the space their own, which is easier to do with a blank canvas. Consider neutral colours when decorating to amplify any natural light in the home.
Parking and garages
From the research above, it’s clear that parking and garages are extremely popular requirements for tenants, appearing first and second in the keyword rankings.
According to research from the British Parking Association, the average motorist in the UK spends 91 hours (nearly four days) every year looking for parking spaces.
This underlines the fact that parking of any kind – particularly off-street parking – will boost the value of almost any rental property. As a landlord, consider creating or enhancing existing parking, if possible.
High speed internet
We live in an increasingly connected world, so it’s no surprise that high speed internet is on the radar for most prospective tenants. Whether for work or leisure, renters value a decent internet speed. Fortunately, this is a given in most south London areas.
Tenants will also be impressed by added extras in the home, such as Sky TV, underfloor heating and other modern appliances.
A pet-friendly home
Tenants may still consider a rental property that is pet-friendly, even if they don’t have a pet when they move in.
A rental home that allows pets appeared in the top three most searched property features in Zoopla’s study, underlining how much of a pet-loving nation the UK is. If you go against the ‘no pet’ policy, your pool of potential renters could broaden significantly.
However, it’s also important to remember that employing a pet-friendly approach does come with certain risks and could increase the chances of damage being an issue.
Transport links
Properties that are near bus and tube stations will almost certainly prove to be more attractive to potential renters, so you will need to highlight strong transport links when you come to let your property.
For example, Brockley and Hither Green – the areas that we’re based in – have direct trains to London Bridge, taking just under 20 minutes. As many renters tend to commute these days, it’s worth mentioning how well-connected your area is.
A reliable landlord
Lastly, even if your property has all of these factors covered, tenants may still hesitate on choosing your rental property if they can’t gauge how you are as a landlord.
So, you want to ensure that you are friendly and attentive, responding to requests or enquiries promptly and professionally. In doing so, you will be more likely to hold onto your tenants for the long term with the help of your letting agent.
At Bryan & Keegan, we aim to guide you through the letting process. For more information on our services, why not contact our Brockley, Hither Green and Park Lane offices?
Additionally, to find out how much you could be charging in rent, check out our instant online valuation tool.
