Making your buy-to-let more appealing to tenants

Void periods are inevitable for any buy-to-let. According to this research, the average void period in England was 18 days during 2024, which has decreased by three days since 2019. If your buy-to-let property spends too much time empty, and your void periods exceed this national average however, it can result in some serious consequences. Here Ezytrac shares an example of what excessive void periods could mean financially:

“The exact cost of a void rental period depends on how much rent you charge and how long the void period is; but if we take an average monthly rental and the average void period, we can make a good estimate: In London, for example, the average rent is more than £2,000 per month. This 20 working days of vacancy will cost you around £1,841 in lost rent.”

Lost rental income means the costs of your buy-to-let simply won’t be covered, leaving you to foot the bill for the property’s mortgage, council tax, utilities and insurance.

You can give your buy-to-let property a fighting chance, maximise your returns and reduce the likelihood of void periods by making it more appealing to current and would-be tenants with our following tips…

Make a great first impression

Kerb appeal doesn’t just matter when viewing a property you want to buy. The same rules apply to tenants viewing a property they want to rent, so be sure to make a great impression the moment they lay eyes on your buy-to-let.

Tidy the front garden, repaint the door, clean the windows and spruce up garden foliage to create a place they can really see themselves at home in.

Go neutral with the décor

Clean lines and a contemporary feel are a winning combination in lots of buy-to-lets. Give your property a lick of paint using neutral shades to make sure it appeals to a wider audience, avoiding any bold colour choices or overly personal décor. Would-be tenants need to be able to imagine their own furniture and style, without yours getting in the way!

For the fixtures and fittings that won’t be changed throughout their tenancy, go for quality every time. Flooring for example is one area that they’ll notice right away. Opt for hard-wearing laminate, durable engineered wood or modern carpets to create an underfoot experience that’s welcoming, comfortable, easy to maintain and built to last.

Put energy efficiency first

Energy efficiency is at the top of many tenant’s lists. With a better EPC rating comes a cheaper to run property, and this appeals to everyone, especially considering the current cost of living crisis. Add energy efficient, eco-friendly touches wherever you can – upgrade your buy-to-let’s insulation, install LED lighting, fit a modern boiler and include smart thermostats in the setup.

While we’re on the subject of smart devices and other tech, keep things running as smoothly as possible in your buy-to-let by prioritising fast broadband. It matters more than ever and is crucial for renters that work remotely or on a hybrid basis.

Get the professionals in

Presentation is everything! Don’t let all your efforts sprucing up your buy-to-let go to waste, get them photo ready and showcase them to potential tenants.

Professional cleaning before marketing and subsequent viewings is a must, and will really make a big impact, especially with that clean and contemporary décor we mentioned earlier. While the spotless look is great, making the space look a little lived-in will help tenants envision themselves living in your buy-to-let.

Consider professional photography too; any property can benefit from great lighting and the right angles.

Concentrate on keeping tenants

Good tenants are always a great find so do your best to keep them. You may want to consider minor rent freezes or incentives to encourage renewals. You should also stay on top of maintenance; make sure everything is in good working order, fix any niggles promptly, and complete annual safety checks and inspections on time.

Remember, good landlords always keep good tenants so be responsive, reasonable, friendly and professional every step of the way.

Looking to start or expand your buy-to-let portfolio? Contact our buy-to-let mortgage specialists for advice and support.