Rent Voids

If you are encountering problems in renting your property, here are some tips that will help to get your property rented in double quick time.

Check out the competition: You need to be aware of what prices other properties are being rented for in your area. As rents have dropped in the last few months it could be that your property is overpriced for the current market conditions. It is always better to price yourself a fraction lower than the market average to attract a higher number of potential tenants. This also works as a long-term strategy because when you are slightly lower than the average market price, then your tenants will tend to stay longer because other properties seem expensive by comparison. This makes it more attractive to stay rather than move to another property and ensures you minimise periods of the property being empty.

Make your Ad look and sound inviting: Critically assess your ad and what it says about the property. Make sure you have got photos of the rooms, Tenants want to be able to imagine themselves living at a property and so pictures of the kitchen, bathroom and lounge are key. Other considerations that may appeal to your target market should be included in your ad. If the property is close to the hospital, bus routes [list actual routes i.e. 72 and 85], a 10 minute walk from town etc then say so. Tenants expect to be told why they should view a property. Imagine what would appeal to you if you were to buy a product and list all the features and benefits. Ads that tell people and show them what to expect have far higher conversion rates.

Increase your advertising: Do you know where you are currently advertising? If you have an agent ask them for the sites your property is listed on. If it’s not on Rightmove or the big property portals then you’re not being seen by the majority of potential customers. You can place an ad on these top sites through VirtualLetz.com for a special price of just £9.95 until the property is let. You have to be seen by as many potential customers as possible to ensure that your property is let quickly. You also need to make sure you are using all the free advertising available – you can do this with VirtualLetz, Gumtree, Houseladder and many more. One last point–Do not forget the local area as well – place an ad in the local newspaper and local shops which have postcard advertising.

Listen to feedback: If you have an agent always call them and ask for the feedback from people who have viewed the property. Don’t take the feedback personally. If you want to let your property you are going to have to listen to people’s opinions. Always reflect back on what people have said and make a list. In any sales campaigns you listen to the objections and then do something about them, so it can be extremely helpful if you do some of the viewings yourself, after all you are the one who knows most about the property! For example, if people are put off by a dated kitchen but you do not have the funds to change it – strategically placed chopping boards, funky kettles, modern microwaves etc can make the ‘dressing’ space look more appealing.

Smell and look clean: It does sound obvious but so many landlords make this fundamental mistake. Potential tenants are always looking for an easy option, which means they want properties which are freshly decorated, kitchens, including the oven and bathrooms to be spotless. Carpets should be thoroughly cleaned and any furniture or appliances should also be clean and ready to use. Keep the air smelling fresh, as tenants usually want to be able to view a property and feel they can move in and feel at home straightaway. They don’t want to spend time and money getting a property right for them – it has already got to tick the boxes. Make the property “welcoming” by using air fresheners. Think of your property like a hotel room – you would expect to have clean sheets with a spotless bathroom and the same goes for tenants and their expectations.

Learn from supermarket tactics -Supermarkets use discounts and BOGOF offers all the time to get customers in and as a landlord you can do the same. Think about your target audience and what may appeal to them. Consider offers such as rent-free periods, gifted deposits, free microwave or washing machine on signing. You have to think about renting your property like selling a product – what offer will make you stand out from the crowd and makes your tenants want to sign up. Think it – then do it!

Following these tips will help ensure your property is let quickly and effectively. Remember to always