Between Tenancies: Turn A Rental Void Into A Profit Booster

Every rental home needs updating at some point, from simple wear and tear to evolving technology and design, or changes in the law around living standards and energy efficiency.

Although rental voids are usually viewed in a negative light, they’re ideal for enhancing your investment and elevating its appeal, just as a top athlete spends their off-season refining their performance.

With thoughtful planning, you can use the time between tenancies to significantly increase your rental income and improve the quality of tenants you attract, by focusing on areas like:

• Minor fixing up
  
• Major renovations
  
• Future-proofing measures
  
• Marketing makeovers
  
• Reviewing your rental strategy

Given that renovating is almost always cheaper and faster than selling and buying again, let’s explore how you can maximise the time between tenancies to boost your long-term returns.

MINOR FIXING UP

Whenever a tenancy is coming to an end, and even if your property doesn't need a major overhaul, plan a few days to address minor wear and tear, fix small repairs, and make little improvements.

• Tackle cosmetic issues like scuffed paintwork, chipped skirting boards, loose handles on doors, windows and cupboards, and finger marks on switches and sockets.
  
  
• Consider instant kitchen upgrades like replacing worktops, cupboard fronts or handles - these can refresh the entire look without the need to rip the whole thing out.
  
  
• Clean or fresh grouting and sealant is often all it takes to revitalise bathroom tiles, while replacing scaly taps or shower heads can restore that missing sparkle.
  
  
• Kerb appeal is real, so look at what you can improve. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint; sweep the pathway; clear any junk, and add some plants in pots or baskets.
  
  
• If your property has a garden or balcony, ensure it’s neat, inviting, and low maintenance. Mow the lawn, jet wash patios or decking, ensure fences are secure, and remove any weeds.

We love finding cost-effective upgrades for rental homes in the Wilton & Salisbury area, so call us for a chat about what’s best for your property - a few little tweaks could make a surprisingly large difference.

MAJOR RENOVATIONS
The key to any major renovation at your rental property is to make it as timeless and hardwearing as possible, ensuring years of reliable service with minimum repairs and replacements.

• A complete redecoration in a warm, modern,​​ and stylish neutral tone (so not magnolia!) can transform the entire look. Use high-quality paint for the best coverage and durability.
  
  
• In bathrooms, go classic with white porcelain, bare metal, and plain or textured tiles (trendy lacquers or patterns can date). Choose metal or wood storage units, as chipboard often swells.
  
  
• Flat-fronted kitchen cabinets are easiest to keep clean; stainless steel cooking appliances are the most timeless; washing machines, dishwashers and fridge/freezers look best when integrated.
  
  
• Replacing worn-out carpeting or chipped laminate with quality engineered boards adds a universally warm and sophisticated touch to homes of every age and style.
  

Ultimately, avoid delicate surfaces that are impossible to repair, and prioritise materials and finishes that will last, instead of jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad.

FUTURE-PROOFING MEASURES

The time between tenancies is an excellent opportunity to make future-proofing upgrades that add long-term value, increase your rental income, and put your property on the radar of premium tenants.

• Consider energy-efficient improvements like loft or wall insulation, draught exclusion around doors and windows, or installing double glazing for an improved EPC rating and cheaper bills.
  

• Smart home technology, including app-controlled thermostats, lighting, and video doorbells, can be a major draw for the growing number of tech-savvy tenants.

• Think about practical and aesthetic touches, like adding more power sockets to cater for today’s gadget culture, or swapping plain radiators for designer models to elevate the interior style.

If you’re unsure which future-proofing measures will give you the best return, call us on 01722 580059 or email us at info@piccoloproperty.co.uk for a no-strings chat and some expert tips.

MARKETING MAKEOVERS

An empty property gives you a blank canvas for compelling marketing. With no tenant belongings to navigate, you can showcase any enhancements in their full and uninterrupted glory.

• Invest in new, high-quality photography, and use a mix of wide-angle and close-up images to spotlight not just the space, but also its finer details.

• Highlight recent upgrades in your description, and update the neighbourhood info with any new openings, improved transport links, or changes in demographics.

• Consider whether your existing managing agent’s profile and promotion will reflect your newly upgraded property and attract your ideal tenant. Or, does a better option exist?

Exceptional presentation, supported by the most striking marketing available, is the way to capture attention and achieve the full income potential of the improvements you’ve made.

REVIEWING YOUR RENTAL STRATEGY

The time between tenancies presents a unique opportunity to step back and assess your overall rental strategy with a firm focus on the business side of your investment.

• Research comparable rental homes in the Wilton & Salisbury area and ask new agents for a fresh perspective and advice while your property is empty, making upgrades easier.

• Reflect on your ideal tenant. Are there specific features or benefits you could highlight or introduce to attract them more effectively?

• Review your finances for cost or tax efficiencies. A rental void is also an excellent time for a valuer to visit for remortgaging at a lower rate.

Treat a vacant spell as a strategic pause. With an optimised property, finances and target market – perhaps even a new managing agent – a more streamlined and stress-free experience could be yours.

Ready to Turn A Void Into Value?

The time between tenancies can perfectly position your property for its next successful tenancy, and we’re here to help you navigate the process with expertise and efficiency.

Call us on 01722 580059 or email us at nfo@piccoloproperty.co.uk to see how we’ve helped many landlords in the Wilton & Salisbury area, turn rental voids into profitable resets, and how we can do the same for you.