From solar lights to fenced yards, these smart exterior upgrades can make renters fall in love right from the curb.
When it comes to attracting high-quality tenants, first impressions are everything. Your marketing plays a big part in these impressions, but the place it really starts is with your rental property’s exterior.
An inviting property exterior doesn’t just look nice; it tells potential renters you care about your property as well as their comfort. So, whether you own a single-family home or a multiunit building, investing in key exterior features can help increase rental applications and increase your rental’s value.
Of course, not all property upgrades offer the same payoff. To maximize your investment, here are our top exterior upgrades to make your property more attractive to quality renters.
Clean Landscaping
It may sound basic, but a clean, attractive yard is one of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal. In fact, you don’t even need professional landscaping to ensure your property’s yard is making a big impact. All you really need are some thoughtful landscaping choices. For example, a neatly trimmed lawn, tidy flower beds, and pruned bushes go a long way toward making your property feel cared for and inviting.
To make your life easier, consider low-maintenance options like mulch beds, native plants, and drought-tolerant shrubs. They look great, and they’re also easy for tenants to care for. That is something today’s renters really appreciate.
Outdoor Lighting: Style Meets Security
As a rule, good exterior lighting serves two essential purposes: safety and enhanced appeal. On the safety side of things, strategically placed lights around your property’s exterior can illuminate walkways, entryways, and patios for enhanced security. The right placement of exterior lighting can also attract renters by showcasing the beauty of your property at night.
When adding outdoor lighting, focus on smart, energy-efficient options. Solar path lights, motion-sensor flood lights, and stylish porch sconces are all good choices for a rental property. These options can help you reduce energy costs while still reaping the benefits good lighting has to offer.
Private Outdoor Spaces
One of the key features today’s renters look for in a rental home is outdoor space where they can relax and entertain. Remote workers may value a change of scenery, and families and pet owners tend to value safe, enclosed outdoor spaces.
Whether it’s a fenced backyard, cozy patio, or even a small balcony, a lovely private outdoor area adds major appeal to any rental property. If space is limited, consider making small upgrades. Even elements like a small seating area or planter boxes on a porch or balcony can make your rental feel more like home.
Updated Exterior Paint and Siding
Turning our focus to the home itself, never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of exterior paint. A neatly maintained exterior with clean siding (or stucco, if you’re in the Southwest) signals to renters that the property is cared for and up to date.
It’s not just about aesthetic appeal (although that is important, too!). Maintaining paint and siding helps protect your property’s structure from weather and wear, making regular maintenance a win-win investment. For best results, choose neutral or modern colors that appeal to a broad range of renters.
Parking and Storage
Another key concern for many renters is whether they can safely park a vehicle on or near the property. If your rental property doesn’t already have an attached driveway or garage, consider other ways to add the convenience of secure parking. For example, providing options like off-street parking, a carport, or a nearby garage can be a major advantage, especially in suburban and urban markets where space is limited.
Similarly, extra outdoor storage is more than convenience—it could make your property really stand out. Even simple options like a shed or bike rack could be the difference for a renter. Another key benefit is that offering parking and storage solutions to your renters can justify charging a higher rental price.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet ownership among renters is on the rise. In fact, a recent survey reported as many as 90% of renters have at least one pet. Given this statistic, it makes sense that many renters are looking for homes that accommodate their furry friends. To attract this demographic, consider adding or highlighting features that would appeal to pet owners, such as a fenced yard, pet waste stations, or nearby parks that would be great for daily walks. Pet-friendly properties tend to attract more applicants and often secure longer-term tenants, so adding these touches can be a smart move.
Small Changes, Big Returns
Boosting your property’s curb appeal doesn’t have to mean a full (and costly) renovation. Simple, strategic improvements to your property’s exteriors can dramatically increase the property’s appeal and help you attract and retain quality tenants.
Want help choosing the best exterior upgrades for your rental property? Contact your local Real Property Management office today! Our experts can help you pinpoint what tenants in your area are looking for and help you make smart, cost-effective improvements.
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