How to furnish a flat to let: part 2

Today we continue with the topic of furnishing a flat to let. There are a few more rules worth knowing, which, skilfully applied, can help you find a suitable tenant faster.

An attractive and safe foundation

The basis for the interior design of any flat to let is its walls and floors. It is worth taking care of them. If the flat is already some years old and its condition leaves a lot to be desired, it may be worth carrying out a basic renovation before renting it out. Above all, make sure the walls are perfectly smooth and the floor is practical and attractive. The best choice is laminate flooring in the rooms and tiles in the bathroom and kitchen. We advise against linoleum and carpeting. These are very impractical solutions: they get dirty quickly and wear out easily.

Another very important aspect before renting out a flat is checking that the gas supply, wiring and plumbing work properly. If anything needs replacing, it is worth sorting it out before new tenants move in. This way we will save ourselves the time, energy and money needed to deal with various faults.

Solid materials

When choosing materials for a rental flat, be guided above all by how solid they are. This applies to furniture as well as floors and other interior furnishings. Such an approach may mean slightly higher costs upfront, but it will certainly pay off in the long run. Investing in durable fittings and finishing materials means the property will remain functional for many years and will not need thorough renovation every so often.

Fit out the kitchen and bathroom properly

The fittings of the kitchen and bathroom are crucial for every potential tenant. Many people make their final choice on that basis, which is why these spaces deserve particular care.

The kitchen must have a fridge, a cooker and an oven. We should also provide suitable fitted units: worktops and cupboards.

The bathroom, in turn, must have tiles, ideally on both the floor and the walls. This is the most practical finish for this type of room. When choosing sanitaryware and bathroom fittings, pick accessories that are good quality, functional and reasonably priced.

Opt for second-hand furniture

When furnishing a rental flat, many people want to keep the cost of fitting out the interior as low as possible. While we should not skimp on the kitchen and bathroom, the furniture in the rooms can perfectly well be second-hand. Nowadays many people sell this kind of furniture at very low prices, and some even give it away for free. This is an excellent way to furnish a rental flat cheaply.

Do not treat a rental flat as a storeroom

Many owners of rental flats make the same mistake: they take all the unneeded old furniture and appliances that they no longer use in their own property and move them to the rented flat. This is a big mistake, because nobody wants to live in a storeroom. Too much furniture and other equipment in a rental flat can be off-putting. After all, tenants are looking for a comfortable and convenient space in which they can live freely. An excess of furniture will certainly not make that easier for them.

So if a lot of unneeded items have accumulated in the flat you want to let, remove them before you post the advert. That way you will certainly find a potential tenant more easily.